MARTINS FERRY — Amanda Jacob didn’t have to look far to find her collegiate calling.

Jacob, the jack-of-all-trades for the Martins Ferry High School softball team, will continue her academic and athletic careers at Wheeling Jesuit University in the fall.

Following a signing ceremony at the high school last week, Jacob exuded excitement as she spoke about joining her brother, TJ, on The Friendly City campus. The elder Jacob plays baseball for the Cardinals.

“I was going to Jesuit before I even thought about softball,” said the Purple Riders multi-position standout. “It all kind of fell into place.”

The Cardinals finished 27-24 this season for Head Coach Sara Pelegreen, a Harrison Central alum. WJU came up short against West Virginia State in the Mountain East Conference Tournament title game in Salem, Va., the Cards’ first appearance in the title contest.

“I think it’s tremendous,” Martins Ferry head coach Paige Williams said about Jacob’s decision. “I told her that absolutely this something you can do. She’ll be an asset to their team.”

Jacob, the daughter of Tim and Amy Jacob, was a four-year presence for the Purple Riders.

“I played everywhere except third, short and second,” she said.

That versatility will come in handy at the next level, Williams believes.

“We asked her to play so many positions,” she said. “She always accepted the challenge placed in front of her and she was a great senior leader.

“She’ll be able to help (Wheeling Jesuit). She has the grades to keep up academically. That’s not a worry at all.”

Jacob’s mother is employed at the school and, with her brother there, Jacob, who will study exercise science, is looking forward to the family atmosphere.

“We were like a family (at Martins Ferry) and that’s what it’s like there,” Jacob said. “Coach (Pelegreen) reminds me of Coach (Williams).”

Jacob is looking forward to improving in all phases in preparation for the rigors of NCAA Division II competition.

“There are a lot of local players playing for area teams like Jesuit and West Liberty, so I think she’ll fit in pretty well,” Williams said.

“Like with any player going from middle school to high school or high school to college, the speed changes as far as the game is concerned. It definitely takes some getting used to. You’re definitely playing with the best of the best, so that’ll be a change for anyone.”