COAL GROVE — When growing up, children always dream about what they want to be when they become adults.

Coal Grove senior guard Chelsea Markins had a dream unlike most girls, but it was a dream she really wanted.

Markins made that dream come true after signing to play basketball at Shawnee State University.

Markins looked at several schools including Rio Grande and Wilmington, but she said Shawnee State was always at the top of her list.

“Ever since I can remember I wanted to play at Shawnee. I know Jennifer Grandy who’s there and I’ve played with some of the others girls, too. I like the campus. It just feels like home,” said Markins.

Shawnee State coach Robin Hagen-Smith has seen Markins play during the regular season and in pickup games in the Riffe Center. She was glad to help Markins realize her dream.

“She said she always wanted to play here since she was young. She is very goal-oriented and works hard. That’s evident because she plays AAU and has spent a lot of her summers playing,” Hagen-Smith said.

“She can shoot the ball really well from 3-point range,” Hagen-Smith said. “Right now she just needs to get stronger and to continue to play. She’ll get better with better players around her.”

Even though she has worked hard in the past, the 5-foot-8 senior guard knows there is more work ahead.

“I know I’m going to have to work extremely hard. I know I have to work on my dribbling and to get stronger,” said Markins. “But with hard work, hopefully I’ll get to play a lot. All the girls there are pretty good.”

All the work has helped Markins rack up a list of accomplishments.

Not only has she been an All-District player for the Associated Press and District 13 coaches, she is a three-time All-Ohio selection.

Markins averaged 18.8 points per game last season, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

She holds the girls’ school record with 1,557 points in a career, most points in a season with 455, most points in a single game (36 vs. Chesapeake), and highest scoring average for a season (20.7 as a junior).

Markins helped lead the Lady Hornets to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championships, the first time any Coal Grove basketball team won consecutive titles.

A outstanding long-range shooter, Markins has the record of eight 3-pointers in a game and most 3-pointers in a season (67) and career (202).

Despite all her accomplishments, Markins said she appreciates the work and contributions of her teammates.

“I want to thank my teammates for their hard work. I really loved playing with them all these years,” said Markins. “I’m going to miss them and playing for Coal Grove.”

Chelsea is the daughter of Gina and Kevin Markins of Coal