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Lafayette Christian’s Carmen Bridges was a star for the Cougars basketball team. While her time playing in teal and white has reached its end, her time on the court is far from over. The senior signed to play basketball at Southern Union in front of a packed Lafayette Christian cafeteria on Wednesday afternoon.

“I went up there and I watched them play some, I talked to the coach and went through practices during a visit,” Bridges said. “They were very welcoming. And it kind of brought me back to like a home environment and that’s exactly what I’m looking for in a college. I couldn’t ask for a better coach or team to play for.”

This moment has been a long time coming for Bridges. She came into her own as a junior before elevating her game to new heights as a senior. During her final year with the Cougars, Bridges averaged 24.8 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.3 steals a game. It was not just empty calories as the team won a playoff game and made a deep playoff run.

“During my eleventh-grade year I started to really want to continue to play and wasn’t ready to let it go,” Bridges said. “I didn’t know where I would end up going, but I put in the work to turn my dream into reality.”

The basketball court is a second home for Bridges and Lafayette Christian has been her safe haven the last few years. It’s allowed Bridges to grow and mature as she gets ready to head off to college.

“Having the coaches here encouraging me and pushing me has been special and I don’t know where I would be without them,” Bridges said.

If the basketball court is Bridges’ second home, the Hammetts are her second family. Bridges has played with a Hammett or for one practically her entire life.

“Coach (Vacher) Hammett has had such a big impact on me, I really don’t think I would be signing to play in college if he wouldn’t have coached me in travel ball over the years,” Bridges said.

Vacher is now the head coach of the Troup boys basketball team and when he was not busy coaching next door during Bridges’ senior year, he was on the sidelines cheering Bridges on.

Bridges has had a large support system and it was on full display on Wednesday with a large contingent of friends, families and coaches in attendance for Bridges’ signing day.

Bridges will not be going far away for college and is eager to see her support system show up for her at the next level.

“I’m so glad that it’s close, so people from LCS, my family and friends can come out and support me,” Bridges said.