The hard work and determination of Rosepine High School Senior Chloe Bennett has paid off in a big way. Bennett officially signed on to play college softball for Louisiana State University At Eunice (LSUE). Bennett signed on the dotted line surrounded by her teammates, coaches, family, and friends at Rosepine High School on Monday. 

Bennett spoke to the Leesville Daily Leader and the Beauregard Daily News, and expressed her excitement about getting to fulfill a lifelong dream. 

"I feel overwhelmed, but [I'm] excited," she said.

Bennett added that it meant a lot to be able to share this moment with the people that have helped her get to where she is today. 

"It means a lot," Bennett said. definitely couldn't have done this without the help of my family and my coaches always pushing me. This is honestly a dream come true. I've dreamed of this since I was a little kid watching my sisters play softball."

Softball has been a part of Bennett's life from a young age. She said that she started pitching lessons at age seven. In addition to playing for RHS, Bennett has participated in travel softball, which can be very demanding for a high school student.

According to her parents, there were many nights where she was doing homework on the road while traveling to and from games. Her parents are Tony and Stephanie Bennett. The signing was an emotional moment for them as well. Stephanie Bennett described it as "surreal."

"It's exciting and emotional," said Stephanie Bennett. "She actually gets to play at the next level. There was a lot of hard work that got her to this day."

She noted that it felt good knowing that so many people in the local community support Chloe and are proud of her achievements.

Tony Bennett expressed his pride to see his daughter succeed at what has been a lifelong pursuit. 

"I'd just like to say that this has been her dream," He said. "To watch it from the start, and to see it fulfilled is very rewarding." 

He emphasized just how hard his daughter had worked to get where she is today, and also mentioned that she puts in a lot of work that people don't see.

"This moment is very special, but people don't see the behind the scenes," he said.  "It's just rewarding to see her get achieve her goals."

Chloe Bennett has overcome a tumultuous year. In a normal year, most high school athletes worry about preparing for their season. However, 2020 was no normal year. Thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Bennett was one of countless young athletes that saw their seasons cut short, and their future put into question. 

Bennett expressed that having her Junior year get shortened without warning was a shock. However, the setback has motivated her to make the most of her Senior year. 

"I was pretty depressed that my junior year got cut short," Bennett said. "I'm going to make the best of my Senior year and I'm going to work hard to make it bigger and better than ever"

Her parents reflected her feelings toward this tumultuous year. Months ago, they were on their way to a tournament in Lake Charles. It would soon become one of the many events cancelled due to COVID-19. Bennett had played her last game of her Junior season and not even realized it. 

She is now determined to play as if every game is her last, taking nothing for granted. With her Senior season at RHS, and a promising future at LSUE on the horizon, this Lady Eagle is ready to fly high. 

This article originally appeared on Leesville Daily Leader: Bennett signs to play softball at LSUE