In a few weeks ICC's Taylor Preuitt will walk at graduation. But that graduation ceremony will be held at Dee–Mack High School.

"She decided to graduate early and we needed one more pitcher," said Cougars coach Heather Doty. "Since she had the credits to do it we took her on."

Under ordinary circumstances Preuitt would be a high school senior right now pitching for Dee–Mack. Instead, she worked hard to graduate early and didn't waste any time becoming a major contributor to the 13th–ranked Cougars.

"I was extremely nervous. I had been throwing since I was little but the first game I had in college softball it was like I'd never thrown before and I got butterflies in my stomach. Things just went from there and luckily I have a good defense that backs me up."

"Her record right now is 7–2, so she's doing very well for us," said Doty.. "She's come in and she's been a great third pitcher for us. We've got the two sophomores, so she'll be able to carry us into next year."

Taylor's taking a full course load here at ICC. And if things work out like she hopes she'll help pitch the Cougars to a national championship the day before she wears her cap and gown in Mackinaw.

"That will be a little weird. I've only visited Dee–Mack a few times because of my busy schedule, but I am going to be walking in graduation and I look forward to my last goodbye with my classmates. I missed them for a semester and we'll catch up on how things have gone."