The fact that Chelsea Chamberlain is a four-tool softball player that can hit, run throw and field well enough to attract college attention isn’t that surprising.

The charming Chamberlain, a natural athlete, excels at softball, also played basketball and was a kicker for the Hornets

football team in her junior year.

Given Chamberlain’s athletic gifts it’s no surprise that Jefferson State coach Cammie Hallmark gave her a scholarship on Monday so the shortstop can hit, field and run for her team in Birmingham.

Though knowing Chelsea’s history, what might be a little surprising is that Chamberlain can still do those things at all.

Injured in a car accident in her middle school days, Chamberlain suffered a broken back that kept her out of action for a year.

She returned to the field and played with a six-inch steel rod and four hooks, the hardware, she calls it, in her back. Then after it was removed she came back again, this time a week later.

That she did.

Chamberlain earned national attention with her kicking skills for the Hornets football team her junior year.

She excelled on the basketball court as well.

But in her senior season she decided to focus on the sport she thought would help her pay for college.

So she focused on the diamond.

Jones, who nominated Chamberlain for the Bryant-Jordan Achievement award, wrote that Chelsea’s recovery is a miracle.

Chamberlain won the Region 4 Bryant-Jordan Achievement award and a $1,500 scholarship. She was honored at a banquet in Birmingham last week.

The criteria for the award include the student’s academic and athletic performance and the obstacles they’ve overcome.

Chelsea overcame her obstacles and on Monday received part of her reward.

Hallmark said she expects the shortstop to step right in.

After her signing was over, Chelsea borrowed a scrap of paper from her knew coach and wrote down a message that she wanted to make sure was passed along.