Nevada's Bradley signs with Central Methodist University

Nevada High School senior Reagan Bradley is surrounded by family and coaches during her signing ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the NHS Media Center. Bradley signed a national letter-of-intent to play softball for Central Methodist University. Pictured front row from left to right, are: Bradley's mother Melanie Boyd, Reagan Bradley, and Reagan's father Bob Bradley. Back row: NHS Athletic Director John McNeley, NHS assistant softball coach Danny Penn, NHS head softball coach Tammy Holcomb, CMU assistant softball coach Gene Reardon, and Nevada Dirt Dawgs head coach Jim Novak. (Photo by Matthew Resnick/Daily Mail)

Nevada High School two-sport standout Reagan Bradley signed a national letter-of-intent to continue her softball career with the Central Methodist University Eagles located in Fayette, Mo.

The signing day festivities took place Wednesday afternoon at the Nevada High School Media Center.

Bradley, who led off and played center field during her four-year prep career at NHS, joins Lady Tigers teammate Kayler Ast as recent CMU signings.

Bradley said she is excited about the opportunity to play at the next level with longtime friend and teammate, Ast.

"There will be a lot less pressure going to CMU with somebody I have always played with," Bradley said.

Bradley has received several softball accolades including being named as a First-Team All West Central Conference center fielder, First-Team Class 3 District 13 outfielder, and Second-Team Class 3 Region 4 outfielder.

"Reagan has anchored our outfield for the last three years," Nevada Lady Tigers assistant softball coach Danny Penn said. "She was someone we could rely on to track fly-balls down out in the outfield. And that's a very comforting feeling as a coach."

Bradley, who had a decorated track career at NHS, brings speed to the base paths. Bradley said her top time in the 100-meter dash was 12.8 seconds.

"Offensively, she has tremendous on-base skills," Penn said. "Hitting one or two in the lineup, we could count on her to get on base and wreak havoc with her speed on the base paths."

Penn said Bradley made big strides during her four years playing varsity softball.

"She was very green as a freshman," he said. "She has matured on the field as a leader. She is not a big vocal leader, but her actions and her play was how she led."

CMU assistant softball coach Gene Reardon said he is thrilled to have Bradley on board.

"She is going to have a great chance to play (as a freshman)," he said. "Her speed and athleticism make her a valuable asset."

Reardon said CMU is looking to fill a starting outfield position next season. "We're losing a senior outfielder, and Reagan should be challenging for that open position," he said.

According to Reardon, CMU will have plenty of speed to burn over the next four years, as Raymore- Peculiar outfielder and top of the order hitter Skyler Hime has also recently committed to play for CMU.

Bradley said her goal is to continue to hit leadoff and play center field. Bradley will likely get the opportunity to play right out of the gate, as CMU also has a junior varsity squad. Bradley however, has other plans.

"I want to start on the varsity team as a freshman," Bradley said. "And just go out there and do the best that I can."

Bradley, who spent all of her life in Nevada, said she has formed a tight bond with her Lady Tiger teammates. "I have become very close with them," she said, "and it's going to be very hard leaving them."

Bradley plays for the Nevada Dirt Dawgs traveling softball team during the summer months. Bradley said she is not planning on being an active member of the roster this summer, but will be available to fill-in if needed.

Reagan's parents are Bob Bradley and Melanie Boyd. Reagan has three brothers, Kalen Bradley, Logan Bradley, and Jordan Boyd.