For four years, Savoy High School right-hander Lauren Camp has been used to hold back opposing line-ups, but Thursday Camp was holding back tears as she signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Waldorf College.

With her father, Jeff Camp, at her side and surrounded by coaches that have prepared her to take her game to the next level, Lauren signed to play for the Waldorf College Warriors, NAIA National Softball Tournament qualifiers in 2009.

Waldorf College is located in Forest City, Iowa.  Lauren is the first Savoy softball standout to be recruited into the college ranks since Mindy Woodson in 2005.

After being a fixture on the field for the Lady Cardinals since 2007, Camp will be taking a treasure trove of memories from Savoy to Forest City.

"I always loved playing Bells," Lauren says as she recalls the friendly rivalry with Savoy's neighbor to the west.  Camp added that she also enjoyed pitching duels with Ector's Audra Rhudy before Audra graduated.

So, what made Camp decide to play for Waldorf?

"The people there were all so nice," Camp said. 

The faculty, coaching staff and students all made a lasting impression on the Savoy senior who plans to major in political science.

Camp, who is still limping noticeably after a collision at home plate on Tuesday, plans to hit the gym this summer and work as hard as she can to get ready for college athletics.