The question was never if Lauren Wilkinson would play a college sport. The only thing to decide was which one and where.
Wilkinson answered both questions Wednesday when she committed to attend Carson Newman University on a softball scholarship.
The two-sport athlete, who dominated on the diamond as well the basketball court, made the decision to stick with softball after receiving numerous offers from several schools in both sports.
The comfort with Carson Newman’s coaching staff and campus, along with the desire to become a nurse, played a big part in Wilkinson’s decision.
“I really liked the small campus and loved the coaching staff,” said Wilkinson. “They have a great nursing program as well. It’s one of the top programs in the state.”
Wilkinson will become the newest Lady Eagle to play under Vickie Hollifield. Hollifield has been with Carson Newman for 26 years and has won numerous conference championships at the Division-II school.
Wilkinson’s skill on the softball field has been well documented since she set foot at Warren County High School. Wilkinson has started since her freshman year and is a two-time All-District 6-AAA honoree. Wilkinson was also named the district’s co-defensive player of the year last season.
Wilkinson holds the school record in home runs in a season and career. Wilkinson hit 11 home runs last season.
The accolades aren’t just confined to softball though. Wilkinson finished her basketball career as one of the most accomplished Lady Pioneers in the program’s history.
Wilkinson was named All-District 6-AAA three straight years, received all-region recognition following her junior year and led the team to back-to-back, 15-win seasons.
Wilkinson finished with 1,562 career points, a number that could be the best in school history.
Although Wilkinson received offers from the University of West Florida, Bryan College, Roane State, Vol State and the University of Charleston in West Virginia for basketball, softball was the senior’s true calling.
After getting interest from a number of instate schools for softball, including MTSU, Tennessee Tech, Lipscomb, Memphis and Trevecca, Wilkinson finally decided Carson Newman was the place to be.
With the Lady Pioneer softball season winding down, Wilkinson has truly appreciated the opportunity to play with several of her teammates for a number of years.
“It’s been a great experience playing with the same group of girls since I was 8,” said Wilkinson. “They’ve been great teammates.”
Wilkinson’s signing was held in the WCHS auditorium and was attended by members of the Lady Pioneer basketball and softball teams.
Wilkinson will enroll at Carson Newman this fall.