Making the transition from high school to college presents a few distinct challenges, but Princeton’s Grey Gurganious is ready to face those challenges.

The pitcher signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Lenoir Community College next season.

“It’s pretty cool, and I didn’t think I’d be here last year, but here I am, and it’s amazing,” Gurganious said. “I worked really hard.”

The opportunity to fit in immediately with the Lancer’s program appealed to Gurganious.

“I got into contact with the coach, and I took a visit, and I practiced with them, and I liked the school a lot,” Gurganious said.

A player who leads by example, Gurganious worked hard to reach this point. He played on Princeton’s junior varsity team as a freshman before moving up to the varsity squad as a sophomore.

Princeton head coach Noah Edens said he was impressed with Gurganious’ ability to fill the strike zone and how competitive Gurganious is on the mound.

“Grey is very quiet, but he gets out there and competes every time,” Edens said. “It doesn’t look like that you’ll get a whole lot from him, but the next thing you know, he’s in the fifth inning cruising, and you’re winning the ballgame.

“He gets the job done.”

Gurganious plans to major in sports management next year at Lenoir Community College, but before he becomes a Lancer, he has some goals in mind for his final season at Princeton.

“I’d like to win the conference and get into the playoffs, and I’d love to beat Rosewood,” Gurganious said.