Everything anyone ever needed to know about the force that is Cassie Newman at the plate can be summed up in one play.

Two weeks ago, the defending state champion team from Demopolis chose to walk Newman with the bases loaded rather than allow the senior slugger the chance to tattoo one into the cheap seats.

That’s Barry Bonds type respect, and Newman’s earned it.

With the talent to hit for average and drive the ball hard, Newman’s been a big part of the Lady Hornet’s spectacular 2004 season.

That talent didn’t go unnoticed.

On Tuesday she signed a scholarship to play Division-1 softball at Troy State.

“Cassie is a fantastic athlete,” Dallas County coach Ed Miller said. “I’ve worked with her for close to 12 years, she’s always been an outstanding player.”

Newman has a powerhouse swing and had knocked several over the fence this year.

She also hits for a solid average and a high-slugging percentage, but it’s her mighty blasts that keep people talking.

“We haven’t done her slugging percentage but it’s going to be extremely high,” Miller said. “she’s worked hard and Troy State had got a great athlete.”

Miller joins teammate Chelsea Chamberlain as the second Lady Hornet to sign.

Miller said four of his players have been offered this year.

“Four have been offered and two have signed so we’re happy,” Miller said.

For Newman, who plans to major in broadcasting, Tuesday was the reward for a lot of hard work.

“It’s very exciting, it’s something I’ve wanted since I was little,” she said.

Her mom Sunette added, “It takes a lot of work to get here.”

“Yeah, every weekend for all of my life,” Cassie said with a laugh.

Newman, who has been dominating in high school, admitted to a little bit of jitters about facing the next level.

“I know that the people I’m going to be playing with are going to be awesome,” she said. “I’ve got to try and fit my talent in with them.

It’s exciting.”

But that’s still several months away.

For now, Newman is focused on trying to get the Lady Hornets to the state tournament.

They were scheduled to play a best of three series at Bibb County Tuesday night for the right to move on.

“It’s been awesome,” Newman said. “I’ve played for Dallas County for three years now and every year it’s gotten better.”

Newman said she’d love to go out with a bang, sharing a trip to state with her teammates.

“We play well as a team and we’re all best friends so that helps out a lot,” she said. “I believe if we get past today we’ve got a good chance of going on to state.”