Former Nansemond-Suffolk Academy baseball standout Dominick Claxton has transferred to Old Dominion University.

After spending two seasons at Ferrum College, Claxton will make the jump from NCAA Division III baseball to Division I. Claxton recently decided that he’d return closer to home and play baseball for ODU.

In his two seasons at Ferrum, Claxton was an immediate standout. In his freshman season, he earned Conference Rookie of the Year and made an immediate impact. During his sophomore season, he was hampered by an injury and didn’t play in all of the games this season.

“I had interest in transferring to a Division I school this upcoming season, and I was fortunate to be given the opportunity,” he said. I’ll be 30 minutes away from home as opposed to the four hours I was away at Ferrum.”

Claxton participated in the Tidewater Summer League back in July and was among the few standouts there. His play earned him an All-Star game appearance, and he finished third in the whole summer league in batting average. His summer league coach was the former head coach for the ODU baseball team and is now an assistant. Because of his connection with his coach, Claxton is going to be walking into a familiar situation.

“I had given every option a thought, but this was all about the opportunity,” he said. “I am excited, and I feel like I am that much closer to ultimately achieving my dream of playing professionally.”

Because of NCAA rules, Claxton will have to sit out the 2019 season. He can do everything with the team except play games in the spring. So, his whole focus will be on getting bigger, stronger and faster for the 2020 season. Claxton is excited and is ready to get to work with his new team.