BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Julia Pinson signed with the University of Pikeville in a ceremony May 26 in the Martin County High School auditorium. She will be playing soccer for the Lady Bears on a full-ride scholarship.

UPike Head Coach Logan Langseth was in attendance, along with Pinson’s family, coaches and teammates.

Pinson initially planned to sign a letter of intent for Alice Lloyd College last week, but fate had other plans for her. The morning that she was to sign, she received an email from UPike offering her a soccer scholarship — an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Pinson finished her high school career with 24 goals and 20 assists and made the All-District and All-Region teams for three years.

Martin County’s Steven Gauze has coached Julia since the first grade.

“Every time I was on the field, she was on the field,” Gauze said.

Gauze garnered some laughter from the crowd.

“She has to be one of the roughest players I’ve ever seen,” he said. “She doesn’t back down from anybody. She’s been carded more than any player I’ve ever had.”

Pinson’s grit and determination are what led UPike’s Langseth to her.

“She is a fierce player and a little scary on the field,” Langseth said. “Our team needs that tenacity.”

Coach Langseth played soccer for Penn State at the collegiate level, has ties at Kentucky Christian University, and played professionally overseas in the Netherlands.

“I want to be involved in eastern Kentucky,” he said. “This area is family orientated and has values. I think Julia will be a great addition to our family at UPike. I’m excited to see what she does on the field and in the classroom.”

Pinson and her parents, Renee and Mikeal Pinson, were grateful.

“I want to thank Steven and Bobby (Hale) for coaching me and pushing me to do my best,” Pinson said. “I’m thankful for my parents and my teammates.”

Pinson says she is looking forward to meeting her new teammates and traveling across the country.