When she was in kindergarten, Lexus Hagood said she dressed up as a veterinarian for Halloween and thought Three Rivers College was the only college to become one.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve always watched Three Rivers (sports),” Hagood said.
To help reach her goal of becoming a veterinarian, the Neelyville senior will attend Three Rivers next fall and play softball.
“Financially this was the best decision for me,” Hagood said Thursday after signing her National Letter of Intent.
“I want to save up as much money as possible and I really wanted to stay home with my family.”
Hagood is among the first of a dozen players expected to sign with the Raiders, who are coming off a 44-6 season with a national tournament appearance.
“Local kid from a great program, she’s a great student on top of it, that’s what we’re looking for, a great student-athlete,” Raiders softball coach Jeff Null said.
Neelyville coach Cindy Siebert said the Raiders are getting “the total package.”
“She’s been awesome for us,” Siebert added.
Hagood hit .359 this fall with 20 RBIs, 16 runs and 12 extra-base hits including a pair of home runs. In a little over 90 plate appearances she struck out just once this fall, drawing 13 walks.
As a junior, she hit .533 during the fall and spring seasons with five home runs, 54 RBIs and 47 runs.
Hagood played shortstop before moving to catcher where she became a team leader.
“She really stepped into that role when she moved behind the plate,” Siebert said. “She’s done a great job in that.”
Null said Hagood will help the Raiders at the plate while likely playing first base.
“She’s not the fastest kid, she’s not the biggest kid, but she can hit,” Null said. “That will play at our level. The defensive stuff we’ll work out on a little bit but offensively, she’s prepared.”
Said Hagood, “I just want to help. That’s what I’m there for. I want to be a positive impact and I just want to keep everybody positive and just have fun while I’m there and enjoy it.”
During her four years, the Tigers have won 82 games with a .621 winning percentage. Neelyville won a district title last fall and reached the district final again this season while winning the conference tournament in Hagood’s freshman season.
In basketball, Hagood has helped the Tigers win 17 or more games each year, reaching the state playoffs in 2020 before losing to eventual state champion Ellington in the final last season.
Hagood said she will remember her teammates the most from her high school experience.
“Just the bonds I’ve made,” she said. “Winning districts and conference (titles), those will always hold a special place.”
In the district final this fall, Hagood drove in three runs, scored twice and was 2 for 4 with a home run.
With basketball and the spring softball season left during her senior year, Hagood said it’s exciting but also sad.
“I’m hoping that I can end it with a bang and just go all out.”
When not playing sports or studying, Hagood is surrounded by animals. It’s a big reason why she wants to study be a veterinarian.
Brian Rosener - Daily American Republic