BULLDOG BOUND!

The Georgia Bulldogs have won the battle for the services of 17 year old, Ardrey Kell left-handed pitcher Alex Wood.   The son of Richard and Carol Wood is only a junior, so he still has 16 months before he heads south to Athens, GA.  Just enough time to hopefully help the Knights battle for a state championship this season and next.

Alex talks about the decision to commit early to Georgia.

“I decided on Georgia this past week and it was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I wanted to attend a school that has great academics, would give me an opportunity to compete for early playing time and was close enough to home for my family to see me play.”

Alex also gave serious consideration to Clemson, Appalachian State, Virginia, North Carolina State, Charlotte and Tennessee.  Alex felt it was to his advantage to commit early.

“The main advantage of committing early is that you can turn all of your focus to the game instead of thinking about who you have to email tonight when you get home from practice. Also, it takes a little pressure off because you know that what you have wanted to accomplish since you were 6 years old has been accomplished although a whole new pressure has been added because you have to prepare yourself for the best competition you’ve played against in your life when you enter into the SEC!”

The love for Georgia came early in Alex’s life, his father graduated from the university.  Georgia contacted Alex after watching him pitch in the Perfect Game Wood Bat World Championship last October in Jupiter, FL.  His showcase team, the South Charlotte Panthers entered the event as one of the youngest teams and finished 19th.  Alex pitched well enough that Georgia and others to stand up and take notice.

Alex is very thankful for all the help he has received to reach this level.

“The key to my success has been having two great parents who are willing to do anything to help me succeed in life as well as in baseball. I’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve been extremely lucky to have had incredible role models such as Coach Bagwell who is the Head Coach at Ardrey Kell High School, Coach Hignight at Providence High School and Don Hutchins who runs the South Charlotte Panthers. I have an extreme passion for the game and I work my tail off to be the best that I can be.”

Alex also works hard in the classroom.  He carries a 3.5 grade point average and is a member of the Honor Roll.  He enjoys US History class the most.

It’s important to note here that Alex isn’t the only talented athlete in his family.  His sister Stephanie is only a ninth grader, yet she holds a starting position for the Ardrey Kell varsity softball team.  Maybe she can join Alex at a Bulldog in a few years!

The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Alex Wood on this honor and wishes him the best of luck in the future.