LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – Greenbrier East senior Henry Goodwin has made his college baseball commitment official, even though he still has an upcoming 2023 season, coming up in a couple weeks, to play.
Goodwin committed to North Carolina’s Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) on Feb. 2, a day which happened to be one of his late grandfathers’ birthdays. Goodwin was especially close with both of his grandfathers, and he said it just made the day even more special for him and his family.
“My grandfathers both loved to be there and support me. I think it’s just a sign, knowing that they are still here for my support every time I step on the field. Growing up, I couldn’t think of a game they missed. I would always see them behind home plate or beside our dugout,” Goodwin said.
“I really miss when I would get five dollars from Big Arch every time I struck someone out, and Papa Bill would do the same, but I never told them they were both paying me,” Goodwin joked.
“But I know they have the best seats in the house, and I’m playing for more than just myself,” he said.
Location is a huge factor when selecting a school to spend four or five years in, and it is easy to understand Goodwin’s selection.
“I went on a visit to MACU about four months ago. All the staff, coaches and teammates were all very fun to be around. It’s also a beautiful campus about an hour from the Outer Banks. The location sold me too,” Goodwin said.
A utility player for the Spartans, Goodwin has an idea where he will be playing once he gets to college.
“At GEHS I’ve been a utility player. Coach Louis told me I can definitely find a spot, but he likes me in the outfield and as a closing pitcher,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin has already set goals for his new home, even though he will not arrive for several months.
“I hope to grow into a better person and player, make friends, compete and have fun,” Goodwin said.
Family is very important to the senior, and it bothers him that they will not make it to every game like they always have. Still, he will play for them no matter the distance.
“I think my family has been my biggest support since I started playing, and I think after all the time and effort they have put into me, there’s no way I could give up now. It’s going to suck not having my family in the stands at college, but I know I’ll always play for them,” he said.
Greenbrier East holds special memories for Goodwin, and he will always appreciate everything the coaches and community did for him.
“The biggest thing I’ll miss about GEHS would be the coaching staff, players and the community who has supported us since little league,” Goodwin said.
Before his trek to the Carolinas, Goodwin still has a senior season to play in high school, so memories will still have a chance to be added, and he knows exactly which ones he wants to add to his collection.
“My goals at GEHS are to be a teammate on and off the field, help others grow into better players, and definitely make a run to power park (the state baseball tournament),” Goodwin stated.
