Delmar Softball Players Sign Letters Of Intention With Delaware Tech

DELMAR -- When discussing the bond between Danielle McWilliams and Bethany Wheatley, it's
obvious to see that the two share the strongest of friendships.
The two teammates on the Delmar softball team, who have known each other since they were kindergartners, will continue being in the same dugout next year; the two are both heading to Delaware Tech. The duo signed letters of intent Thursday.
McWilliams, a senior pitcher, said making the choice to go to Delaware Tech was the end of a tough process after she looked at several other schools including the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University.
"It was really difficult trying to decide what I really wanted to do but coming to the conclusion it's given me a really good feeling," she said. "I love softball and it's been what I've wanted to do and it's led me to where I am."
Wheatley, who plays outfield for the Wildcats, made her decision fairly simple as the coaching staff continually scouted her since she her days as a freshman.
"I looked at SU and places like that but Del Tech is close to home and close to my family," she said. "I've always wanted to be there because they always came and watched me play so that made my decision easier because I love it."
For the Roadrunners, McWilliams and Wheatley are the most recent local players who have committed to the school. Two weeks ago, Wicomico's Samantha Muir also signed to pitch at Delaware Tech and the expectation is that other players could follow their leads in the near future.
Roadrunners assistant coach Chester Davis said when it came to recruiting both McWilliams and Wheatley, it was the intangibles the two brought to the team.
"Danielle is a great pitcher and that's something you can never have enough of," Davis said. "You can have good offense and defense, but you need good pitching to win. When looking at Bethany, she's an excellent defensive player whose bat recently started to come around late last season and into the summer and she'll be a good addition to the team."
Delmar coach Michelle Niblett said it's been a great experience seeing the two girls grow together and knowing they will continue to remain teammates for the near future.
"I think it's awesome that the two will be able to stick together and have one another to lean on through the school year and the softball season," she said. "All of our players on the team are close, but it's great to see the two bond together and go somewhere together and have each other to help get through season."
For both McWilliams and Wheatley, whose families are good friends, being able to go through the college experience together will add another level to their friendship.
"I'm excited because I've been playing with her for such a long time so it's just like an honor to be together," Wheatley said. "I had no idea Danielle was committing until this week."
"It will be a really good feeling playing with Bethany because we've been really close friends since kindergarten," McWilliams said. "I think it will just bring us together and add to team chemistry."