Senior Dezmen Howard has signed to play college baseball at Winston-Salem State University.

The Nansemond River High School senior made it official in a signing ceremony Wednesday at Nansemond River.

Howard described his recruiting process as enjoyable. He had another offer from Chowan University but ultimately decided to go with WSSU.

“The recruiting process was quite the journey,” he said. “For me, most of my family lives in North Carolina, so North Carolina is home for me and that was a major reason why I decided to choose WSSU. I just kept my faith in God and stuck to what I have always been taught by my coaches, which is H.B.T. — ‘Have fun, Be a kid and Trust God.’”

Howard went to visit WSSU, and they offered him a spot on the team before he left. He said everyone there was genuine and that it felt like home.

His major of choice is computer science, and Winston-Salem is known for having a strong program.

Their baseball program is also known for being among the top in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In his first year there, he plans to improve on his game all the way around and to become a more dominant hitter at the plate.

“I felt like Winston-Salem would be a great fit for me both academically and athletically,” he said.

His family played a major role in helping him in his decision, but the most influential was his mother.

“She sacrificed a lot to get me to where I am today, and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done,” he said.”

Other people around him, such as his friends, also helped him during his recruiting process. They have always kept him positive and have reminded him to keep grinding, because they knew he was capable of playing college baseball.

With his future secured, he now feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He can now enjoy the season more and not worry about who is in the stands watching.

“I feel like our team this year has a lot of talent,” he said. “If we keep grinding, we can certainly make a run for another state title. I love my team they are like my brothers. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”