Bulloch Academy’s Taylor Collins, center, is joined by her parents, Russell and Mary Collins, as she signs a national letter of intent to play softball for Furman University next season. For the last five years — GISA schools allow eighth-graders to compete in varsity sports — Collins has been a cornerstone of the Lady Gators. She dominated the diamond throughout her career, garnering all-state honors in each of the last four seasons and finishing as runner-up for Player of the Year this past fall. Despite choosing to pursue softball at the next level, Collins has plenty of other areas of excellence. She made all-state teams in basketball and track and field. In her three sports, Collins has combined to win five region championships and two state titles during her tenure.