By HEATHER JOHNSON
MPCC
North Platte Community College Knights softball player Angelina Lockhart has signed a letter of intent to continue her athletic career at Hastings College.
“I chose Hastings College because I love the way Coach [Troy] Baker runs his teams, and because he welcomed me with open arms and answered all my questions,” Lockhart said. “The academics are great at Hastings College, and they offer an amazing pre-veterinary program. I am looking forward to the experience of being a Bronco as well as meeting and working with new teammates.”
The Anchorage, Alaska, native is a pitcher and outfielder for the Knights. So far this season, she’s had 30 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched. Lockhart boasts an overall batting average of .400 and fielding percentage of .840.
Her academic achievements landed her on the college’s Dean’s List last fall.
“To see the change from the first time she stepped on campus to now, is huge,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head softball coach. “Angelina came in a quiet, timid athlete and is leaving a more confident, mentally tougher kid on and off the field. She’s a hard one to let go but having her close is going to be good.”
Lockhart is thankful for her experience with the Knights, which she believes prepared her for the next step on her athletic journey. Part of the reason she opted to stay in Nebraska is because of the many friends she has met during her time at NPCC.
“I gained a lot playing here at North Platte Community College,” said Lockhart. “Not only does Coach Higgins teach us how to be better ball players, but she also teaches us how to be better people and how to get through adulthood. Leaving this program will be hard, but I am walking away confident that I am a better person and a better ball player due to the leadership I had from Coach Higgins.”
