Sultan’s Jeffries commits to Cal Poly

Sultan pitcher Shelby Jeffries may have two years of high school remaining, but already she knows where she’ll be playing softball after she graduates.

Jeffries verbally committed to Cal Poly in late July, just days after visiting the university for the second time.

“I love the coaching staff,” Jeffries said. “They are all really nice and really inviting, and I feel like it’s the right place where they’re going to push me the right way.”

Jeffries first visited Cal Poly in October, but was able to see more of the campus in her most recent visit. She also visited Sacramento State University before discussing her options with her family and making a decision.

“I really liked it, but something felt right about Cal Poly that I didn’t quite feel at Sacramento State,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries, who was named an All-Area first-team pitcher by The Herald in June, helped lead the Turks to state for the first time in the fastpitch era this past season.

“Shelby played a huge role (in getting to state),” Sultan head softball coach Garth MacDicken said. “She set the tone so much on our team about working hard and what you can accomplish when you work hard. I coach three sports and Shelby works harder than any other athlete in any of my sports that I’ve ever had.”

Jeffries said she is excited to have the recruiting process behind her and to focus on softball.

“We did pretty good this year, and we want to keep that going,” she said. “That’s what I’m focusing on, getting better and helping my team get better.”