BY ALLAN STEELE
When Taylor VanZee told coach Jeff Galloway that she had committed to the University of Washington he was shocked. Who offers a scholarship to a freshman? But VanZee, Hemet’s standout shortstop, never wavered. Four years later she signed her scholarship offer on Wednesday to become a Husky. “Looking back as a freshman, I thought this day would never get here,” Van-Zee said. “Now that it’s here it flew by. I’m really excited.” VanZee and Bulldog first baseman Ivy Campbell each signed letters of intent during a morning celebration at the school. Campbell, who hit .333 last season with 16 RBI, is headed to Cal State Dominguez Hills. She said she weighed her options, but wanted to stay in California to be close to her family. Playing college softball and earning a scholarship was something she considered as early as age12, she said. “That was always my dream and it finally happened,” she said. “It was exciting and I feel I finally accomplished what I’ve been working for.” VanZee waited four years to make her commitment official. “I’ve been excited ever since,” she said. “Recruiting can be a stressful thing. Committing early, it did take a weight off my shoulders, but it also pushed me to work harder because I knew that where I was going was a prestigious school and I had to work hard every day.” VanZee hit .700 last season and drove in 54 runs. She also led the team with 23 doubles, four triples and 14 home runs. She also had a fielding percentage of .974. “They both have grown over the years and gotten better and better,” coach Jeff Galloway said. Galloway said his initial concern over VanZee committing so early proved unfounded. “As a coach, when I heard she was going to verbally commit as a freshman, I advised her not to commit early,” he said. “But she said her heart was set on going to Washington and that’s where she wanted to be. I was in fear of her not progressing like she has, getting comfortable with having her future set, but Taylor doesn’t have that in her. She has the drive to always be the best at what she does. Ivy is the same way.” The two posed for pictures with friends, family and teammates after the morning festivities. “It’s official,” VanZee said. “Now I can say I’m going to be a Husky. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”Follow Allan Steele on Twitter at @asteele12000