King’s Fork High School’s Lauryn “Peanut” Bailey has decided where her college home will be after high school. She signed a letter of intent to play softball at Bluefield College Tuesday afternoon at a special ceremony at King’s Fork.

“I’m so excited,” Bailey said. “This is one of the biggest accomplishments in my life.”

Bailey had interest from other schools but ultimately decided to go with Bluefield. She credits the atmosphere as a big reason she decided to attend, and no other school had what Bluefield had.

Bluefield has been recruiting Bailey since her sophomore year. Lady Rams coach Shelley Newton said during the ceremony that she was hoping Bailey flew under the radar so that she could grab her.

“The atmosphere is amazing,” Bailey said. “It felt like home away from home. It really caught my eye. I love it so much. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The school stuck with me all the way up until my senior year. They have a coach that believed in me since the first time they watched me play.”

Her family let her make her decision on her own, something Bailey is grateful for. Everyone was supportive of her decision making it even more worthwhile that she picked Bluefield.

“They both wanted what was best for me,” she said. “We all looked around at the campus and talked about it together. They let me make the decision. I’m happy about it.”

The moment she knew she wanted to call Bluefield home was when she went on her official visit in November. She hung out with some of the players from the team, and they welcomed her with open arms. Just walking around the campus and getting a feel for the school, Bailey could tell she truly belonged there.

Though Bailey was named first team all-conference at shortstop for King’s Fork last season, she will be relied upon to play multiple positions at Bluefield. She was also a second team all-conference member on the volleyball team this fall but will only play softball in college. Last year, the Lady Rams softball team finished with an 18-30 record.

At Bluefield, Bailey plans to study sports medicine through exercise and sports science. At the moment, Bailey is getting ready for her last softball season. Some things she wants to improve on for next season are being a leader and progressing her hitting.