HEADED TO AKRON — Big Red senior Sadie Edwards, front, center, signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and softball careers at Akron on Wednesday. Joining her for the occasion were, seated, from left, her brother Braidyn Edwards, father Hakim Edwards, mother Kim Edwards and brother Hakim Edwards Jr; and back, from left, Big Red softball coach April Minniefield, Shaq Petteway and Micaela Minner. - Andrew Grimm

STEUBENVILLE — Another record-setting player from the Big Red softball program is officially going to play at the Division I level.

Sadie Edwards, Big Red’s single-season home runs leader, made her commitment to Akron official on Wednesday morning signing her letter of intent to play for the Zips.

She will play shortstop for Akron.

“It’s really exciting to start a new journey with my life,” Edwards said after signing. “I’m really blessed and grateful for what the future holds.”

She was an All-East District and All-OVAC selection each of the past two seasons.

As for why Akron, it came down to a multiple factors for the multi-sport standout.

“I love the coaches and I loved the campus when I went on my visit,” she added. “It’s close to home and my family.”

Her business at Big Red is not finished, though, as she still has one more spring in Crimson and Black with more goals left to accomplish.

“I feel good being signed going into my senior year, but I still want to push myself to be better,” Edwards said. “I have loved every moment here at Big Red, the girls and coaches have really pushed me and I’m excited to play one more year here with them.”