For two years, the Charlotte 49ers softball team has let Lindsey Holloman know she was at the top of its list.

On Thursday at King’s Fork High School, Holloman, who’s been the ace pitcher for the Lady Bulldogs since the start of her sophomore season, signed a letter of intent to accept a scholarship and join Charlotte next fall.

Charlotte’s coaches saw Holloman in action in a travel team tournament, the 18-and-under Gold Nationals in Oklahoma City, during Holloman’s sophomore year. Soon after, Charlotte head coach Aimee DeVos sent a hand-written letter to Holloman.

As Holloman’s senior year approached, she was able to make an unofficial visit and go to Charlotte’s softball camp. There were a lot of other collegiate suitors for the fireballing right-handed pitcher who is also a hitter who mixes contact and power for the Lady Bulldogs.

Hampton, Winston-Salem State, Campbell, Louisiana State, Norfolk State, Miami (Ohio), Ball State and Francis Marion were among other schools which have been in contact with Holloman. Holloman is the second King’s Fork player to earn a softball scholarship with a Division I school in the last year. Infielder Gillian Giarrizzo accepted a scholarship with James Madison and will be with the Dukes this spring.

Holloman has been second-team All-Southeastern District each of the last two seasons. With her club team, the Virginia Lady Eagles, Holloman splits time between the pitching circle and third base. Her club coach, Dean Spruill, was on hand Thursday for the signing.

“She owes the bulk of her development to coach Dean,” said Lindsey’s father, Johnwyn Holloman.

“He’s made her have some tough skin. He’s helped keep her on the straight and narrow. He’s worked hard with her six and seven days a week.”

There are benefits to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte beyond the softball program, and those are important to Holloman’s decision as well.

“The location is important,” said Lindsey. “It’s not too close, or too far, from home, and the campus is beautiful.”

Lindsey and her parents said Charlotte’s growing status as a hub of businesses and great job opportunities factors into the decision just as much as athletics.

“We are trying to look ahead four years down the road to when she graduates,” said Lindsey’s mother, Lisa.

“It’s only a one-hour flight,” said Johnwyn, “so we’re happy about that.”

Lindsey is making her official visit to Charlotte this weekend. Last season, the 49ers were 35-31, which was the third-highest win total in a season in school history.

DeVos has been the head coach at Charlotte for 14 seasons. In the 2006 season, Charlotte had its best season in program history, winning 42 games and won the Atlantic 10 for Charlotte’s first conference title ever. During DeVos’s tenure as head coach, she has graduated 100 percent of her players.

“If I come in, work hard and put in the effort, I should be able to start pretty quickly,” said Holloman.

There is one more season with the Lady Bulldogs though, and Holloman is looking forward to that.

“Now I know where I’m going and there’s nothing to stress about.”