If Shelby Babcock had waited until next season, she probably would have been the most sought-after softball senior in state annals.

But Division I colleges no longer need to pursue the Legacy right-handed pitcher. On Sunday, she gave a verbal commitment to one of the most elite softball programs in the nation, the University of Arizona.

"I'm really excited," Babcock said. "It's going to be awesome."

Babcock took a trip to the Wildcats campus this weekend and was swayed enough to believe it was the right fit. Babcock has pitched Legacy to the Class 5A state title the past two seasons, including the title-game win against Ralston Valley last month. She had a 22-1 record, 274 strikeouts and an 0.15 ERA this season.

Three other marquee players in the state, all seniors, recently signed with Division I programs: Columbine pitcher Kelsey O'Brien (Colorado State), Arvada West outfielder Mikey Kenney (Texas Tech) and Bear Creek pitcher Mallorie Sulaski, (Western Kentucky).

O'Brien, perhaps only second to Babcock among the state's high-profile players, also considered San Jose State, New Mexico State, Ball State, Eastern Illinois and Northern Colorado.

"I always felt like I wanted to stay in state," O'Brien said. "In the end, CSU felt the most comfortable for me. I love Fort Collins."

O'Brien went 12-5 with 200 strikeouts in 2008 despite beginning the season with injuries to both wrists, the result of a collision at the plate during the summer.