Webster Groves High School Softball pitcher and centerfielder Emma Buckles will sign a National Letter of Intent before school today to play for the University of Evansville next spring.

Statesmen softball coach Bryan Gibson couldn't be more pleased, and he's confident she has a bright future ahead of her as a Purple Ace.

"She is an exceptionally well rounded player – she can play any outfield position, first base and can pitch. She hits for power and has the speed to create her own runs on the bases. She has skills to offer any college team at any level of play," Gibson said.

Buckles hadn't received a lot of attention from colleges until this fall, which Gibson said is unusal for a player of her caliber.

It's not just her athletic abilities that make Buckles an attractive college prospect, according to Gibson.

"Emma has a ton of athletic talent, but it’s her competitiveness, determination, and work ethic that have made her such an accomplished player. She just doesn’t allow herself or her team to settle for less than their best," Gibson said.

Buckles will be joining Webster alumni Medora West (U of Central MO), Cassie Rizzo and Katie Heidinger (MO S&T), Cara Hargate (Fontbonne), Beth Sitterley (Hope) and Hannah Domino (Westminster) in the NCAA softball ranks, according to the Webster Groves Softball team's Facebook page.

Buckles intent to play for Evansville was posted to its Facebook page earlier this week.