by Rusty Ellis
Livingston Academy senior Jackson Baker signed his NLI on Tuesday, making his commitment to play soccer at Tennessee Wesleyan University official.
Baker is more appreciative than anything else, as he says he’s had a lot of support to get to this point.
“It feels great, it’s been a long road through injuries, good seasons and bad seasons,” Baker said. “I’ve got a great support system, I couldn’t do this without them…my friends and family, it feels really good and it’s really rewarding.”
His choice to go to TWU mainly came down to their ability to offer him exactly what he wanted, as well as making him feel wanted there.
“They’re a small school, which is what I was looking for,” Baker said. “They have my major…I’ve really enjoyed the feeling of that school, and I love the atmosphere. I liked that they wanted me, because I wanted them.”
Head coach David Sadler has seen Baker play since he first stepped foot on campus, and he says he thinks Baker is ready for the next level.
“Jackson is an exceptional player, and we move him around a lot on the field,” Sadler said. “I think he signed as a forward, but he can really play anywhere…He’s going to be a great player and a great asset for them. He works hard, he doesn’t say a whole lot, but he plays. He’ll do just about anything they ask him to do.”
As far as what Baker’s looking forward to the most, he’s excited to meet new people and build some new relationships.
“Meeting new people, international or American, it doesn’t really matter,” Baker said. “I’m just ready to meet new people and of course, I want to help the team along the way.”
