Excited for a number of reasons, Tanner Cotner is eyeing the next phase in her life with eager anticipation.The Warrenton senior will become the first member of her family to attend college, and she also made an additional commitment concerning her future.Cotner recently signed her letter of intent to play softball for St. Charles Community College, joining the team as an outfielder.“I’m really excited,” said Cotner, who has aspired to play at the college level since age 10. “It’s been a lifelong dream that I’m finally fulfilling.”She actually hails from a unique circumstance, having never played on the school team but rather the St. Charles Patriots select team.“She’s a great defensive player, but where she really brings a lot to the team is on the offensive side,” said select coach Kelly Boehmer. “She’s a left-handed hitter, which is priceless on the offensive side.”Cotner batted .379 last season with 17 RBIs and a 47 percent on base average.“She can do it all on the left side — slap, bunt, hit for power,” said Boehmer. “It makes her a real offensive threat and keeps the defense guessing.”Cotner says she chose the school because of its proximity to Warren County and the familiarity of the team.“It was close to home, and I know a lot of the girls I’m going to be playing with,” said Cotner, who also considered Maryville and SIU. “St. Charles was my top choice, and the campus is gorgeous.”The Cougars are a Division I member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and a part of the Missouri Community College Athetlic Conference.“We’re excited to have her in our outfield,” said SCCC Coach Michelle Patrico. “She brings a lot of speed and will be a great asset to our team.”Cotner plans to pursue a career in nursing.COTNER INKS COLLEGE CHOICEBenjamin Munson photo.