A “lanky” seventh grader from Fannin County Middle School is now on the way to play basketball for a North Georgia university.
Macy Hawkins was surrounded by her family, extended basketball family and support system Tuesday afternoon, June 25, as she committed to continuing her basketball career.
The Fannin County Lady Rebels standout signed her letter of intent to play for the Truett McConnell University Bears during a ceremony in the Fannin High cafeteria.
The praise showered upon her by Principal Scott Ramsey and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Ryan Chastain went beyond Hawkins’ basketball skills to her as a person.
Ramsey called Hawkins, “An absolutely outstanding young lady...an outstanding representation” of the Lady Rebels basketball program, Fannin County High School and the community.
He praised her work ethic and the “special accomplishment” she achieved by earning the opportunity to pursue basketball at the next level.
Ramsey spread credit for her accomplishments to the coaches and support system at the school, her family, and her community support system including the team at Crossfit Fannin.
As Chastain looked around the cafeteria he saw, “The family environment we’ve tried to create.” Hawkins’ teammates, former players, a group from Crossfit Fannin, coaches and other members of the school staff had gathered to congratulate Hawkins and celebrate her accomplishments.
Chastain said only 4.5 percent of women who play varsity high school basketball go on to play at the college level, speaking of the hard work and dedication to reach the next level.
Among Hawkins many accomplishments on the basketball court she;
•Received the Lady Rebel’s Sixth Man award as a Junior;
•Was named the All Around Impact Senior; and,
•Was the Northwest Georgia Tipoff Club’s Player of the Month in December 2023.
It was the hard work of the “lanky” seventh grader Chastain remembered most.
The head coach told how, soon after arriving to coach the Lady Rebels, he watched a seventh grade game at Fannin County Middle School against Gilmer County.
He told how he asked Coach Anderson, “Who’s this lanky kid,” referring to Hawkins.
Later, when discussing upcoming players in a coaches meeting, he remembered saying there was a lanky kid in the seventh grade who, “If she puts the work in she’s got a chance to be pretty good. I think her name is Hawkins.”
“He we are six years later,” Chastain said.