The Lady Tigers softball team enjoyed a historic season in which they reached the Elite Eight and traveled to Columbus for the GHSA softball State Playoffs for the first time in school history.

On Monday, November 16, Lady Tigers pitcher and Region 7-AAA Pitcher of the Year Joy Lewis made more history for the school.

Lewis became the first athlete from Dawson County High School to sign with an ivy league school when she inked her name to an University of Pennsylvania softball scholarship in a ceremony held in the DCHS media center.

Lewis was surrounded by friends, family and coaches when she extended her softball career to the collegiate level.

"I am so happy and proud for Joy," said DCHS head softball coach Jimmy Pruett during the signing. "She has earned this through her hard work. Her dedication has gotten her where she is today. The University of Pennsylvania is getting a great ball player and young lady."

Lewis expressed her thanks to those that had helped her in her quest to be a dominant pitcher.

"I want to than my parents and coaches," said Lewis at the ceremony. "I wouldn't be here without them."

Lewis' softball journey started when she was just 7-years-old. The ten years that have past since she first picked up a softball have guided her to become one of the most dominant pitchers to step on the mound.

"My dad played baseball in college," Lewis said. "He would take time out and teach me how to play the game. Once I got started, I couldn't stop because I enjoyed it so much."

To look at Lewis, with her 5'5" frame, one might not think that she could pitch in the next level, but everything Lewis has displayed in her hard work, dedication and determination has translated into her being one to watch after she graduates.

"What she lacks in size she makes up for in heart and fight," Pruett said.

Lewis hopes to make an impact as soon as she gets used to the collegiate style of play.

"I want to take time to get used to college," Lewis said. "I plan on working hard and putting forth my best effort and hope for the best."

Lewis plans on enrolling the the pre-med program at the university. She, also, dreams of one day becoming a pitching coach.

"I definitely want to get into coaching," Lewis said. "I've had a pitching coach for a while now and would love to be able to coach others like she's taught me."

The future for Lewis looks bright as she prepares to continue her softball career at the next level after she graduates.