Murphysboro Red Devils seniors Shelby Cook and Malorie Gill have been friends and teammates for many years. This week, they both signed with four-year universities to play softball.

Cook is headed for the University of Indianapolis, a Division II power. Cook knows a little about power, as she already is Red Devils’ all-time homerun leader–despite not having her sophomore season which was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Last season as a junior, Cook hit .538 with 22 extra base hits, 23 runs batted in, and 34 runs scored.

Gill signed with D-1 Western Illinois out of the Summit League. She is a slick fielding shortstop who hit .297 last season. Gill was 12-12 in stolen bases and scored 22 runs.

Both players say the opportunity to play softball in college is a dream come true.