By Michael Lindsay
Cumberland County senior Jalynn Baldwin’s basketball career will continue into college as she signed with Johnson University Monday afternoon.
“I’m really excited,” said Baldwin. “I’m going to be playing my favorite style of basketball and I’m looking forward to it. I really like the community and they hold their Christian values very high. That’s very important to me; I wanted to go somewhere where I felt comfortable.”
Johnson University competes in the NAIA’s Appalachian Athletic Conference and is located in Knoxville. The Lady Royals are coached by Bryon Lawhon.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Lawhon. “We talked to Jalynn her freshman and sophomore year, and have kept an eye on her over the years. She fits a big need for us in the post. On the offensive end, her passing ability and post moves are big. She fits in our scheme really well. A post player with a high basketball IQ is hard to find.”
“Coach Lawhon is super personable and cares about every player,” added Baldwin. “That’ a big deal; you don’t want to go somewhere that you’ll wind up miserable.”
Baldwin has plans for her educational experience at Johnson.
“I’m at TCAT right now to get my cosmetology license, and after I get my business degree I want to open my own salon,” said Baldwin. “I’ve always loved hair and makeup; every girl likes stuff like that.”
Baldwin, a forward for the Lady Jets, will assume a similar role for the Lady Royals.
“I feel like I have a high basketball IQ and I’m physically strong,” said Baldwin. “I need to work on my outside game and work on my ball handling so I’m more of a threat all over the floor.”
Jalynn joins her sister Grace Baldwin in college athletics as Grace plays soccer at Milligan University following a four-year career with the Lady Jet.s
“It’s everything to me,” said Baldwin. “I can see where I’ve grown through different coaches. It’ll always be a part of me.”
