Charleston set to play softball for NEO

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January 16, 2013

Charleston set to play softball for NEO

By Anvil Welch Globe Sports Writer The Joplin Globe Wed Jan 16, 2013, 12:37 AM CST

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Northeastern Oklahoma A&M coach Eric Iverson again came to Carthage High School to sign a Tiger.

Tuesday, however, it was for a different sport as Carthage senior Quincy Charleston signed a letter of intent to join Iverson’s softball program.

Emily Goeken, another Tiger senior, recently signed to join Iverson and the volleyball program.

“I visited NEO (of Miami) as a junior,” Charleston said. “I got a feel for the school. I liked the school. I liked the softball program and the coaches. It all felt just right.”

Said Iverson: “We got exactly what we wanted. We’re getting a pitcher and perhaps a hitter for the middle of the lineup. We’re also getting a good person.”

NEO tied for fifth in the NJCAA Division I Softball National Championship last season.

Said Carthage coach Mike Godfrey: “Quincy loves to pitch. They went after her as a position player. But they also want her to pitch. She’s very athletic and strong.

“Quincy carried the load for us on the mound for two years,” Godfrey said. “She was one of our most productive hitters definitely for the last two years. She was our No. 3 hitter.

“Quincy brings a great competitive mindset and raises the level of play by those players around her,” Godfrey said.

“She is a very good outfielder and played first base in the summer when she didn’t pitch. She can play the corners — third base or first — as well as the outfield.

“She will be missed,” Godfrey said. “She was a tireless worker. It was a pleasure to have her around.”

The 5-foot-10 Charleston, who earned four letters in softball, received all-Central Ozark Conference Large Division and Class 4 all-district honors three seasons.

Charleston also is a two-year starter in basketball. Jim Moore’s current team is 12-4.

“She’s playing very well,” Moore said. “She’s one of the reasons for our success.”

Quincy, most valuable player as a member of the Carl Junction-based Intensity in the 16-Under USSSA World Series at Tulsa, is the daughter of Trish and Kevin Charleston.

Charleston plans to become a physical therapist and work with children with physical disabilities.