The Webster Progress-Times

Kinsey Rico of Eupora has been awarded a $1,000 Dizzy Dean scholarship that is renewable up to four years.

She becomes the first female athlete to ever be awarded a Dizzy Dean scholarship, according to Eupora's Billy Powell, national secretary and a director of Dizzy Dean Baseball. He said this is the eighth year that it has had a softball program, which originated in Mississippi.

Rico's scholarship includes $500 each from the national and Mississippi Dizzy Dean organizations. Dizzy Dean awarded 17 scholarships this year covering participants from 14 states. To qualify, one must participate in Dizzy Dean baseball or softball for a minimum of four years.

As national secretary, Powell pointed out that he also had the privilege of presenting Rico with the 2004 16 and Under Softball World Series MVP Award in Southaven.

The May graduate of Eupora High School received a scholarship this spring to play for the Lady Warriors at East Central Community College in Decatur. Rico helped guide the Lady Eagles to state championships in Class 2A slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball in 2005-06.

She is the daughter of Kathy and the late Lee Rico.