Lenior Community College came knocking, and Campbell Cunningham gladly opened the door.

On Wednesday afternoon, Cunningham realized his dream to play college baseball was no longer a fantasy as he signed a national letter of intent with the Lancers.

“It feels good, and I’ve been waiting to finally make the decision. It was really hard, but I feel happy with Lenoir,” Cunningham said. “Being close to my house was a good fit.

“The coach and I clicked, and I liked how the field looked.”

Cunningham had a .304 batting average and a .484 on-base percentage during his sophomore season, and he is not just a hitter when called upon Cunningham does not mind stepping onto the mound to throw some strikes.

“It always makes me proud when one of our guys gets a chance to play at the next level, and I think Lenoir will be a really good fit for him,” Spring Creek head coach Heath Whitfield said. “He can play multiple positions, and he’s always been a good hitter, so the fact that he can do so much gives him a good shot to get in the lineup at the next level.

“He has taken on a leadership role going into his senior year, and I think that’ll be big.”

Cunningham knows the college game will be different, but said he is ready for all the challenges that come with playing college baseball. Cunningham also spent the summer playing for Wayne County Post 11, and he added that playing for Post 11 was a memorable experience.

“Playing for Post 11 was one of the greatest experiences that I’ve had in a long time,” Cunningham said.

He missed out on most of his junior season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Cunningham, who plans on majoring in sports medicine, said he was disappointed to lose his junior season. Still, he is ready for his final season in a Gators’ uniform this spring.

“Losing last season was hard because your junior season plays a big role in the recruiting process,” Cunningham said. “I want to make this season coming up the best season that we can for boys coming up, so they’ll know the role models they need to be whenever we’re gone.”

A driven athlete with a genuine love — and respect — for the game he has played competitively since the age of seven years old, Cunningham’s work ethic and passion for baseball will also prove crucial to his success at the next level.