Nichols pledges to South Alabama

Caroline “Pepper” Nichols has decided on a college home, and will be reunited with her sister at the University of South Alabama.

“I was really happy to be able to commit to Coach (Becky) Clark and South Alabama,” Nichols said. “I love the campus and coaching staff and I am very excited to get the opportunity to play with my sister again.”

Her sister, MC, is currently at South Alabama, and by the time Caroline Nichols graduates from Hoover High School in 2018, they will be afforded the opportunity to play two seasons together in Mobile.

Work remains for her at Hoover, however. As a sophomore in 2016, Nichols hit for a .361 average with a .404 on-base percentage, as the Bucs advanced to the Class 7A North Central Regional. She made the most of her 56 hits and 10 walks, as she scored 45 runs on the season.

“I am extremely proud of Pepper and all the hard work and dedication she puts into the game of softball,” said Lexi Shrout, Hoover’s head coach. “She will be a great fit at South Alabama.  We are grateful to have her for another two seasons.”

Nichols also led Hoover with 30 stolen bases, a .436 average with runners in scoring position, and she led the team with 10 sacrifice bunts last year.

“I am very thankful for Coach Shrout and Coach (Kellie) Eubanks who helped me become a better player and person through the past two years and our AD, Andy Urban, who has done so much for our program,” she said.