Cespedes decides on UAB

One of the top pitchers in the region has decided where she will continue her career beyond high school.

Sarah Cespedes, a pitcher at Chelsea High School, committed to UAB and coach Marla Townsend on Sept. 21.

“I chose UAB because its medical school excels and their coaches are great,” she said. “Whenever I go, it feels like home. They consistently sought after me and talked to me.”

Cespedes led Chelsea to the Class 6A state championship this past season, as a sophomore. She shut down many opposing offenses, finishing with a 22-8 record on the season, with a great 1.68 ERA. Cespedes struck out 233 hitters and allowed 46 earned runs.

Cespedes also desires to be either a physical therapist or a nurse, making UAB an ideal combination of academics and athletics.

“The most important thing for high school athletes is to make sure they consider what’s best for them,” Chelsea head coach Heather Lee said. “She selected the best program that’s going to further her in the long run. That’s what it’s all about.”

With their ace on the hill returning for her junior campaign, the Hornets have a chance to fulfill the same goals they reached last season.

“This year, I think that we definitely have an opportunity to go back and do what we did last year,” Cespedes said.

Lee said Cespedes is a great teammate and “excels at a lot of things in the game.” But there is always room for improvement.

“She can continue to develop her pitches in a way that they’re on demand and just have that confidence in them,” Lee said.