By Rick Pedone

Osceola High softball players Kenya Pereira and Jessica Callahan announced their college plans recently at a scholarship signing ceremony at the Osceola High gym.

Pereira, the Osceola News-Gazette Player of the Year, signed with Florida A&M, where she will pitch for Coach Veronica Wiggins’ program.

Callahan, an outfielder/third baseman, selected Florida Tech and Coach Val Silvestrina.

Pereira had a breakout season for the Lady Kowboys in 2011-12, Coach George Coffey said.

“She’s always been talented, but last season it was something else, at a whole higher level,” he said. “You could see the difference in her, with her ability to control the game.”

Pereira, whose two older sisters also earned softball grants, said she would concentrate on having a successful senior season for Osceola before concentrating on her college career, where she plans to major in physical therapy.

Callahan considered playing for the University of North Florida bt happily accepted the invitation to join the Panthers.

“”I’m not sure where they’ll put me. I can play outfield or third base, whatever they want,” she said.

Both players play travel ball with the Osceola Overdrive, which isn’t surprising since their fathers, Keith Pereira and Steve Callahan, run the program.

“That’s where we get scouted the most, in travel ball,” Pereira said.

Coffey, who has seen dozens of his players advance to the college ranks over his 18-year head coaching career, said the coaches won’t be disappointed in the talent they are acquiring.

“I’m very confident that those coaches are going to be very satisfied because these two are great as far as their attitudes on the field as well as off,” Coffey said. “Those are going to be two huge holes for us to fill when the leave, but fortunately we have them back for their senior seasons.”