Although she has just begun her senior year at Polk County High School, Jamie Hrobak has already enjoyed a measure of success on the softball diamond that any athlete would be proud to attain. As the staff pitching ace for the Lady Wolverines, Hrobak has compiled a truly remarkable list of achievements.

A three-time all-conference and two-time all-state selection, Hrobak was named District 8 Pitcher of the Year as a junior, posting a record of 18-6 with an ERA of 1.32 and 225 strikeouts. Last season, she became the first single pitcher to throw a perfect game in the history of Polk County. As the team’s MVP, she already holds the school record for career victories with 47, even though she is still months away from throwing the first pitch of her senior season.

With such an impressive list of accomplishments, it is little wonder that coaches from colleges across the southeast have lined up for the opportunity to secure the services of Polk’s ace flamethrower. And on Wednesday, Hrobak put an end to the suspense surrounding her athletic future, signing her letter of intent to attend Brevard College next fall.

Snagging an athlete of Hrobak’s caliber is a major recruiting victory for Brevard head coach Britne Stubbs, who has molded the Tornados into a winning program since taking the reins four years ago.

According to Polk County Athletic Director Jeff Wilson, the bidding for Hrobak’s services was intense.

“The great thing about it is that so many schools wanted her,” commented Wilson at the signing Wednesday. “My goal is to get a player five or six schools to look at and visit, but Jamie did far better than anyone we’ve ever had.”

Given the multitude of available options, Hrobak acknowledged the decision was difficult, but ultimately she felt Brevard was the best fit for her.

“I really like the coach, and I met the team – I spent a lot of time on the campus, and I really liked it,” said Hrobak. “It was hard, though – it took quite a while to decide.”

Hrobak, a member of the Future Teachers of America club at Polk and a National Honor Society student with a 4.01 GPA, intends to major in education.

“I’m planning to be a math teacher, probably sixth grade,” said Hrobak, who has put significant, and specific, thought into what she hopes to accomplish in the future.

Hrobak’s parents, on hand for the signing, clearly approve of their daughter’s choices.

“Our focus is on the education, primarily,” said her father, Mike Hrobak. “I want her to do what she wants to do with softball and have fun, have a good education and be the best that she can be.”

The fact that Brevard is close to home is a bonus as well, according to Jamie’s mother.

“I’m happy that she is happy,” said Mandy Hrobak. “First and foremost is education, and Brevard has what she needs.”

With the weighty decision of selecting a college behind her, Hrobak is free to focus on other important matters, including playing basketball, concentrating on her studies and enjoying her senior year.

Then, of course, there is some unfinished business to take care of next spring, when Hrobak hopes to help lead Polk to a state softball championship.

Given her talent and determination, there is no doubt that the Lady Wolverines will be a strong contender in the race for the state title.