Suffolk’s Trish Webb recently opened the door to two softball-related dreams when she committed to attend and play for the University of South Carolina Upstate.

“My dream was to play college (Division I) softball ever since I was little,” she said.

Another dream of hers was to play on TV someday, “and (the Spartans) do that, so I’m just on cloud nine.”

Webb is a junior at Isle of Wight Academy, where she has starred as a pitcher as of late. She also has experience at third base, which is largely what caught the eye of the Spartans.

“They’ve seen me pitch in a couple videos,” she said. They made the offer primarily due to her play at third base and secondarily due to her pitching prowess. “They’re not shutting down either one. I can come in and do both.”

Her agreement with USC Upstate is for 75 percent of her college expenses, but her academic achievements should help even further.

Webb reflected on what it meant to receive attention from a Division I school and to have the opportunity to commit to it in the first half of her junior year.

“Honestly, it’s still pretty surreal. I’ve worked my entire life for it,” she said. “It’s a huge relief, and it’s exciting to think about my future, and it’s great because I’m already falling in love with the school and the coaches.”

Her mother, Cheryl Webb, who for years has been her chauffeur to games and practices for school and travel ball, was pleased.

“I kind of feel like I knew it would happen, I just didn’t know when it would happen or who it would be with,” she said. “It was good. I’m just thankful. I’m proud of her.”

Cheryl Webb cited her husband, Trish’s father Johnny Webb, as being Trish’s coach through the years, helping and pushing her. He, too, was delighted.

“It’s a great feeling. It’s been a long journey for her. By no means would I take any credit, but I’ve been there with her,” he said. “To see her be able to fulfill such a significant goal, it’s just very exciting to see. I’m happy for her.”

Trish had a variety of college options to choose from.

“It was a good amount of schools, but I narrowed it down to about four towards the end, and I just knew that Upstate was the right decision for me,” she said.

Among the reasons, she said the school made her feel like they were going to look out for her and that it would make sure she had a good college life.

“They have a really good medical program, and I’m looking into going into that field,” she said.

Trish’s mother noted softball commitments are happening earlier and earlier, and this was the time for Trish to commit.

“We just felt it was meant to be,” Cheryl Webb said.

Trish said after doing the hard work of the recruiting process, “the timing was perfect. It just all worked out.”

She thanked her coaches, led by her dad, for helping her reach this point, but before that, said, “Most importantly, I would give the credit to God.”