ONA -- Meredith Baisden became a power hitting softball sensation because of her work ethic. Dedication to the game fuels her fire to be better.
Now, the hours spent perfecting her swing and working on her outfield skills have paid off.
The Cabell Midland High School senior signed a letter of intent Wednesday to continue her softball career at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., an NCAA Division I member of the Big South Conference. Friends and family gathered in the Cabell Midland library for the signing.
"It's a great time in my life right now and I'm enjoying every minute of it," Baisden said. "I believe hard work gets you somewhere and that's path I will continue to follow"
Cabell Midland coach Jeanne Lunsford said Baisden is an impact player who will be a huge asset to the Liberty team. Lunsford believes Baisden will contribute immediately.
The trademark of Baisden's game is a smooth swing that sometimes appears effortless and launches softballs over the fence. She has 11 home runs this season, along with a .526 batting average.
But, hitting the long ball isn't Baisden's only strength. She also has 36 runs batted in, 39 runs, nine doubles and a triple. As a pitcher she has a 4-1 record and 1.75 earned run average.
She has earned a reputation as one of the most feared hitters in the state. But, don't think for one second that the slugger has any ideas about easing up.
"I'm always looking to get better and to me there's no perfect ," Baisden said. "You have to keep working on it and it's not something you can just let go "
Baisden and the Midland Knights are flying high with a 20-5 record. Three of the victories were against Huntington High, the defending Class AAA state champion. They're likely to meet again on the path to this year's state tournament.
She thinks the Knights have what it takes to unseat the Highlanders.
"The goal is always to win a state championship and I have full confidence in our team," Baisden said. "Our team is just a big family and I have never felt I'm more a part of something."
Baisden isn't only a star player. She is also a straight-A student with a 4.1 GPA.
David and Susan Baisden hate to see their little girl going away to college, but at the same time they are overcome with happiness.
"I'm really proud of her athletically and academically," Susan Baisden said. "From the first time she went to Liberty she felt comfortable and we knew it was where she wanted to go."
Baisden's close relationship with her family provides the support she needs to remain successful.
The past year wasn't easy because of the deaths of her grandfather, Roger Workman, and grandmother, Deloris Baisden.
"My mom and my dad have been there through everything and I can't thank them enough," Baisden said. "This year I have played each game in memory of my grandparents and I learned a lot from them because I have never met two harder working people."
Perhaps Baisden's ambition to be the best is linked to a family where hard work is held at a high standard.
Nevertheless, her grandparents would be very proud.
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