Kendelle Messersmith verbally committed to CSU Dominguez Hills in July, just two months after helping Sierra High’s softball team claim a third Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship in five years.

On Thursday, she made it official, signing with the Carson-based school in front of friends, family, coaches and school administrators in the Sierra main gym.

“It’s like a dream come true,” the standout shortstop said.

The soft-spoken Messersmith made plenty of noise with her bat last spring, and it was her productivity at the plate and defensive prowess that drew the attention of CSU Dominguez Hills coaches. In 20 regular-season contests last spring she had just two errors while leading the Timberwolves with a .576 batting average and 29 RBIs from the No. 2 spot in the order. She was named to the MaxPreps Medium Schools All-State Team.

Messersmith knew CSU Dominguez Hills was the place for her when she made her visit.

“I wanted to go to a small school that was far enough to be away from my parents but not too far,” she said with a laugh. “I felt right at home when I went to the campus.”

Kim Aggabao led the Toros to a 23-29 record in 2015. It was a six-game improvement from her first year as head coach. She succeeded Jim Maier, the program’s winningest coach with a 460-273-2 record in 13 years. He guided CSU Dominguez Hills to consecutive NCAA Division II Super Regional appearances in 2012-13.

“I think I’ll fit in well over there,” Messersmith said. “It’s the perfect dynamic for me. (Aggabao) thought that my defense and offense would really help the program out.”

Before contributing to her next school, there is unfinished business to take care of with her current one.

“I hope to have an even better season my senior year, my best one yet,” Messersmith said. “Another section title would be nice.”