Nakagawa and Milford sign with Missouri Valley

Garden City, KS-Two Garden City Community College softball players signed national letters of intent this past week.

First basemen Leisha Nakagawa and utility specialist Nicole Milford both inked to play at Missouri Valley College in St. Marshall, MO next season.

"Leisha didn't talk much when she first came here," Head Coach Becky Gundy said. "She has really come out of her shell, and she continues to be one of our leaders."

Nakagawa signed with Garden City last season out of Kailua-Kona Hawaii. She began her collegiate career as a catcher before moving to first base this season. In year one, she batted .273, hit two home runs and knocked in 22. This year, she's hitting .333.

"I just wanted to try something new," Nakagawa said. "I wanted to stay kind of close, and the school is only two hours away from one of my best friends on the team."

Milford signed with Garden City last year out of Trinity, FL. She played shortstop as a freshman before being moved to the outfield in 2017. Milford hit .214 as a freshman with 10 RBIs. She recorded 19 putouts in 29 games in the field.

"We are so proud of her," Gundy said. "Her hitting has come leaps and bounds, and she has taken on the role of leadoff hitter for us this year."

Milford, who is batting north of .300 through 12 games in 2017, feels she is ready for the next step.

"It makes it easier knowing that Leisha is going with me," Milford said. "I'm so far away from my family that it makes me feel more comfortable."