Two girls who were responsible for the success of the Windsor High School softball program signed letters of intent to play softball at the collegiate level.

A crowded fireside room at the high school watched Bri Seaman and Emily Bauer take the next step at playing in college on Tuesday.

Seaman, 18, a center fielder for the Wizards, signed to play for Brevard Community College in Palm Bay, Fla.

Bauer, 17, a first baseman for the Wizards, will play for Otero Junior College in La Junta.

Both girls were instrumental in the Wizards placing second to Wheat Ridge at the Class 4A state softball tournament last October.

The left-handed hitting Seaman led the Wizards (20-4-1) in hitting (.525 average), hits (42) and triples (7) while also knocking in 16 runs.

Bauer led the Wizards with 26 RBI and smacked four home runs to go with her .397 batting average.

“Both these two young ladies have been assets to our softball program and assets to our school,” said Windsor athletic director Mark Kanagy before introducing them. “It is a pleasure being able to see them both here together, and being able to sign with the opportunity to keep playing the game that they love. I know that the two schools they’re going to are going to be pleased with both as softball players and the young women that they’re getting.”

Wizards head softball coach Sandi Cumings said the pair became great leaders on the team with their hard work and dedication.

“They’ve definitely represented themselves, Windsor High School and the town of Windsor in a magnificent way, and I’m sure they’ll continue to do that,” Cumings said.

The 5-foot-6 Seaman, a four-year starter at Windsor who also plays club softball for Triple Crown Stars in Fort Collins, said she’s excited about playing at the next level, but admitted to being a little nervous because of the distance she’ll be away from home.

“I think I’m going to manage, though. It’s a good school, and I think I’ll meet new people and settle in,” Seaman said.

Seaman, who wants to study forensic science, said she plays with a lot of heart and expects that to carry on in college.

The 6-foot Bauer, who started for the Wizards for three years, said playing softball in college is what she wanted to do since she was 8.

“I’ve always wanted to go onto the collegiate level and be able to play the sport that I love,” said Bauer, who plays club softball for Warriors 93 out of Longmont.

Bauer, who wants to study either science or business, said it was nice to sign the same day as Seaman.

“I’ve been playing with her since I was 8. We’ve played together for a long time,” Bauer said. “It’s good to see her grow.”

Cumings said Seaman is one serious player.

“She doesn’t mess around. She’s going to bring 100 percent to every practice and every game,” Cumings said. “Both on and off the field, I think she’ll be a great leader even as a freshman.”

Cumings said Bauer, the Wizards’ cleanup hitter, hits the ball far and also plays solid defense.

“Defensively, she’ll make the plays. She’s a strong, strong player,” Cumings said. “She’s serious also, but she’ll keep it light. She’ll help her teammates stay up and keep them focused on the field.”