For high school students hoping to pursue a sport at the collegiate level, making a commitment is a pivotal moment. As for senior Joe Gordon, he has decided to prolong his baseball career at Lynchburg College.

From the age of three, Gordon has been infatuated with baseball.  As he grew older, he came to believe that baseball was something he could possibly take part in for years to come.

“[Baseball] all started mainly because of my love and dedication for the sport when I was younger,” Gordon said.

Currently, Gordon plays on a year-round team with Rise Baseball, a competitive baseball club in the area. In addition to practicing with his team, Gordon frequently hits and lifts almost every day after school in order to stay in shape.

Gordon’s dad played an essential role in his life, not only by encouraging him to continue playing over the years, but by consistently helping him to become both a better athlete and a better person.

“My dad has stuck with me throughout my journey and has helped me become the player that I am today,” Gordon said.

In conjunction with his dad acting as his role model, Gordon has played baseball for a long time because of his unconditional love for the sport.

“I enjoy just being out on the field because it always brings the same enjoyment every time,” Gordon said.

As a result of the positive impact that his dad has had on him and his intrinsic drive, Gordon found himself encouraged and motivated to continue to play the sport after graduating high school.

“I chose to go to Lynchburg because of the great coaching staff and competitive program that they have,” Gordon said.

Lynchburg baseball and most of their intercollegiate programs primarily compete in the Division III bracket, which is the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

This will be Gordon’s last season as a member of the Trojans baseball team, so he hopes to make it his best season individually before he makes his way to Lynchburg in the fall.

“It has always been my goal and a dream of mine to play baseball in college from such a young age and I am excited to see what my future holds,” Gordon said.