Lively signs with Queens University

Swainsboro High School senior Lenox Lively signed a letter of intent on National Signing Day to play baseball at Queens University, a Division I school in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lenox is preparing to enter his fourth season as a member of the Tigers’ varsity baseball squad. In that time, he has played a variety of positions, including catcher, pitcher, third base, and shortstop. He has also been active on the travel club/scouting circuit, playing for FTB Phillies Scout Team, based in Florida. While a part of this organization, Lenox has played in many Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report (PBR) tournaments throughout the southeastern United States.

He has been awarded for his athleticism many times over, earning SHS Offensive Player of the Year in both his freshman and sophomore years. Also, during his freshman year, he was named 2nd Team All-Region Catcher and 1st Team All-Region Utility Player. As a sophomore, he earned the honor of 1st Team All-Region Catcher. For his travel/tournament club, he was named Perfect Game All-American.

New Swainsboro Head Baseball Coach Billy Marchman has learned a lot about Lenox as a person and a player in the short time he has known him in the off-season. He says, “Lenox works hard and works smart daily to improve his craft on the field and in the classroom. I am looking forward to watching him excel not only this season but for many years to come at the next level.” Assistant Coach Corey Chalker adds to that, sharing that Lenox has spent countless hours in the cages and on the field to become the best player he can be. In addition to his work ethic, both coaches agree that Lenox’s character is top-notch, with Chalker noting that one of the most admirable traits Lenox has is the desire to help younger kids play the game of baseball. “You can catch him at the rec department in the spring watching his little cousins play and interacting with the younger kids in our program.”

SHS Baseball has a rich history not just in Swainsboro/Emanuel County but throughout the state of Georgia. Many who played on the diamond for the Tigers have gone on to play at the collegiate level. As Principal Brandon Andrews points out, the program itself is responsible for the success of its players long before they leave here. He says, “This historic program has taught many young men, including me, that hard work and effort get you where you want to be. So many life lessons are taught playing baseball at Swainsboro High School.” He continues, “We are proud of Lenox for being a part of this program and putting in the effort it takes to move to the next level.”

While Lenox is very excited about his future at Queens, he is also looking forward to his senior season coming up in just a few months. He says, “We have a new coach who already knows what a winning tradition is, and we have a great senior class that has played many innings together already.” With the new coach and a solid roster, the Tigers are looking to go further than last year when they were knocked out in the second round of the state playoffs.

To celebrate the occasion, a signing ceremony was held in the SHS Media Center. Joining Lenox were his parents, Billy and Mandy Lively, his sisters, Maci Lively and Sydney Lively, and his grandparents, Billy and Carolyn Brinson. Also present were his coaches, Marchman, Chalker, Daniel Overstreet, and Ashley Hooks, SHS administrators Andrews, Assistant Principal Lindsey Sconyers, and Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Gray Mendieta. Former Head Baseball Coach Hank Aldridge stopped by to offer congratulations and Lenox’s teachers, teammates, extended family, and friends were on hand as well.