Marlton, N.J. – On April 23, Cherokee High School senior Kaitlyn Parkin likely would have led her softball team to its sixth straight victory over Camden, continuing a streak that began in 2013.

But with softball, and life, on hold for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus pandemic, Parkin has to settle for training at home until she can get back on the field.

“During the pandemic I have been doing a lot of hitting practice in my backyard and I pitch with my dad to make sure all my pitches are still up to skill once we come begin,” Parkin said.

She has also taken to running, core, and leg workouts to maintain and improve her stamina, “ahead of long days in the field.”

All hope isn’t lost, however, as the next time Parkin suits up, it’ll be for the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Lady Vikings.

Parkin will arrive at Mercer following back to back winning seasons with the Cherokee Chiefs. In 2018, the Chiefs, posted a 17-7 overall record while going 8-2 in the Olympic Conference. The following year they posted a 12-8 record, while repeating their 8-2 dominance over the Olympic Conference.

Outside of her high school team, Parkin also played for the Jersey Jaguars travel team and the Phillies Urban Youth Academy. Parkin will be the first Jaguar to join the Vikings in more than seven years.

Though her decision to attend Mercer was driven by a lifelong dream to play collegiate softball, Parkin noted that she was particularly taken by the campus’ beauty.

“I actually decided community college was the route for me while I was going to a softball tournament down at Mercer park,” Parkin said. “I wasn’t really sure at first what I wanted, but when we drove by Mercer there was something about the campus I fell in love with and knew it was somewhere I would want to start my degree.”

In addition to playing softball, Parkin, plans on pursuing a career as a teacher or physical therapist at MCCC. She has worked at Under the Sun Day Learning Center, teaching children ranging in ages of six week to 12 years old.

And, with Mercer being so close to her home, Parkin is excited for the chance to continue working while earning her degree.

“I feel like it came so fast,” Parkin said. “I’ve been living in the moment and I’ve — It’s all coming together now and I’m very excited.”

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Kaitlyn Parkin, center, signs her letter of intent to Mercer County Community College with her parents Kathy and Rick, and sister Jennifer at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia (Krystal Nurse/The Sun).