TIFTON — Before a huge gathering of family and friends, Tift County Lady Devil senior basketball player Lindsay Welker signed a scholarship Wednesday to play basketball at Clemson University.

Welker verbally committed to Clemson before her junior season last year. During her junior campaign, the 6-foot-2 Welker averaged 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.6 blocked shots and 1.5 assists per game.

“She is probably the hardest-working kid we have ever had here at Tift County High School. That is why she is going to an university in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference),” Tift County Lady Devils head coach Michelle Caldwell told the audience before the signing.

That work ethic was one of the things that turned Clemson head coach Cristy McKinney on to Welker.

“I think she is talented and she plays with a lot of intensity and heart. She works hard and she is very versatile. She can play inside and she can go outside and shoot the 3,” said McKinney.

“She has worked hard to make herself a better player.”

Welker said she knew Clemson would be her college destination early on in the recruiting process.

“I went up there quite a few times. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the people there,” said Welker. “Also, I really liked the coaches.

“I committed early, because I really didn’t think there was anywhere else I wanted to wait for. Clemson just seemed to be like a perfect fit to me.”

Caldwell is very happy for Welker, who is believed to be the first Lady Devil to sign a Division I scholarship since Regina Brown inked with the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“I am extremely proud for her. Like I said earlier, it is just a testament to her hard work,” the Tift coach said of Welker. “She stays in the gym and every year she has improved more and more. We’re just real proud for her that she is going to the next level to play.”

McKinney feels that Welker may contribute immediately to the Clemson program.

“She has a chance to play next year. We have a lot of players coming back, but we will be the thinnest at the post and at the 4-spot,” McKinney said. “(With her work ethic), she will push people for minutes.”

While her future is now certain, Welker is also anxious for her last year as a high school player.

“I am holding on to my last year and then I will be ready to go,” the senior said.