Tim Hayes

East Tennessee State University’s softball program has snagged another talented player from Southwest Virginia.

Abingdon High School senior Lauren Baker verbally committed to the Buccaneers of the NCAA Division I Southern Conference on Aug. 15.

“So, ETSU is a great school with an even better nursing program,” Baker said. “The softball program is rebuilding and I’m excited to be a part of that growth. I’ve always felt comfortable being on campus, plus I’m close to home and family can be at my games. Therefore, ETSU checked all the boxes.”

Baker hit .324/.478/.465 with 17 RBIs and struck out just seven times in 96 plate appearances during the 2025 season as Abingdon finished as Region 3D runner-up and advanced to the VHSL Class 3 state tournament.

She also pitched 42 1/3 innin

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