Westfield athletes sign NLI: Knowles leaving for Clemson

Marena Knowles, Softball (Clemson)

Standout Westfield Lady Hornet, Marena Knowles, recently signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI). Knowles used the early signing period and chose Clemson University, and she will be a Lady Tiger for the next four years. The Clemson coaching staff, on Wednesday morning, praised the Hawkinsville, Georgia native. Knowles is the first recruit of the 2022 graduating class to sign with the Clemson Lady Tiger Softball team.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Miss Marena Knowles to our Clemson family. Marena is a very talented and dynamic athlete. She is an outstanding hitter and has the versatility to play first base, third base, shortstop or in the outfield. We will probably use her at all of those positions. She’s very athletic and multi-deminsional. Her work ethic and GOD given talents will be put on display, here at Clemson. She’s very long & can see run the bases very well. Marena’s signing enlightens our staff and we are anxious to help her grow. We will develop Marena on and off the field,” said Clemson softball coach, John Rittman.

The left-handed hitter was a four-year all region and all state selection. Just weeks ago, Knowles led her Westfield Lady Hornets to its fifth consecutive GISA State Softball Title. As a sophomore, Knowles posted a .494 batting average, 11 doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 46 runs batted-in. As a junior, she posted a .598 batting average and a 1.184 slugging percentage. Knowles hit 11 homeruns, 67 runs batted-in, 10 doubles and four triples. Knowles is also The HHJ Houston-County Softball Player of the Year for 2021. Marena Knowles will be an early-enrollee at Clemson University, in Clemson, South Carolina.

Grey Brannen, Baseball (Northwest Florida State College)

He is listed at 6’7, 225 pounds, but the Elko, Georgia native will head for the Sunshine State in a matter of months. Brannen was a member of the Home Plate Chili Dogs, of Peachtree City, Georgia. He made countless saves and walk-off homers for the Westfield Hornets baseball program, as well. Brannen will join a similar program with the same rich history. He signed with Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida. The NWFSC (Northwest Florida State College) Raiders are members of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Region 8, Panhandle Conference. Earlier this year, the Raiders of NWFSC baseball team had three players who were selected in the 2021 MLB Draft. Grey will use his long strides to cover much ground for the Raiders in the future.

Damon Sanders, Baseball (Andrew College)

Stellar Westfield Athlete Damon Sanders signed with Andrew College, of Cuthbert, Georgia. Andrew College has an exceptional baseball program, which competes in the NJCAA Divison-1.

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