Former Nansemond River High School softball standout Katelyn Biando has adjusted well to the softball program at Virginia Wesleyan University.

VWU is a nationally ranked NCAA Division III softball team and is currently the defending NCAA champion.

Biando signed last spring to play there and went on to step into a softball culture that recently hit the highest pinnacle. She knew she was going to have to step up her game to be a part of a VWU team with a championship pedigree. The former Lady Warrior admits that her head spun a bit as she started the program and learned what was required, but as days passed, she got more comfortable.

“At first it was a little overwhelming to learn what was expected of us and adjust to my first semester in college,” she said. “Every day gets easier. Once I learned the way we do things, I picked it up as quick as possible. Having the fall season really helped, because we had time to adjust.”

A lot is expected of the team not only in the classroom and on the field but also in relationships with each other. Biando described her team as a second family, and it is exactly what she envisioned when she thought about playing in college. Her teammates have played a big role in helping her adjust to the college speed of the game as well.

“My freshman season thus far had been an amazing experience,” she said. “It has been a privilege to be a part of such a talented team with such caring and loving people. I feel blessed that I have had this opportunity.”

VWU is currently 39-1, and their only loss came to Randolph Macon College, which features former Lady Warrior teammate Madie Rhoads. Biando has played in 36 games this season so far and has 28 hits, 17 runs and 19 RBIs. She ranks sixth on the team in hits, seventh in runs and sixth in RBIs.

The VWU freshman did not have any statistical goals she wanted to accomplish; she just wanted to come in and find a way to help the team immediately.

“It’s awesome that I’ve been able to do my part and contribute as a freshman,” she said. “I earned the trust of my teammates and coaches, which was something I wanted to do when I came here.”

VWU is gearing up for another postseason run, which will start this weekend with the conference tournament.

Biando was a first team All-State, All-Region and All-Conference performer last year helping Nansemond River to the Class 5 state semifinal game.