Dan Richards
Dunn Daily Record
Reprinted with Permission

Lauren Caviness went to Campbell University for its pharmacy program, and she is sticking to the plan.

"This is my last year of softball," the junior left-handed ace said. "I have four years of the pharmacy program ahead of me and that will take up my whole time."

The former Harnett Central High all-state pitcher said she had planned her career before entering Campbell.

"I knew my priorities and made my plans," she said.

Caviness took a 1-0 loss against South Carolina earlier this season in the opener of a doubleheader at Eakes Athletic Complex. She had a 3-3 season record after the game, but owned an earned run average of 1.40 with 43 strikeouts, 16 walks and 29 hits allowed. Her career strikeout total cleared 300 in the tough loss.

Caviness is currently 5-7 with over 330 strikeouts in her career. She has continued to suffer tough losses, including a a 2-1 two-hitter this week against UNC-Wilmington.

Last year, Caviness was 17-14 on the season with a 1.83 ERA and 166 strikeouts, a single-season record for the Campbell program. As a freshman, she was 11-8 and pitched one of just five no-hitters in CU history against Appalachian State.

When she signed with Campbell, Caviness said she wished she could continue hitting. Seeing South Carolina pitcher Melissa Hendon hit a home run to beat her did not stir her old desire.

"Sometimes I miss swinging a bat, but this college game is a lot different from high school," she said. "My primary job here is pitching, and that demands full concentration."

Caviness has been playing softball since she was a young girl. Will she miss it?

"It will really be tough not to play, especially at first," she answered. "I have had good times in softball and met a lot of great people."

While playing at Harnett Central for Coach Craig Rogers, Caviness helped Harnett Central to second and third place finishes in the state's final four at Walnut Creek Park.

"I remember high school ball fondly," said Caviness, who also played volleyball for Central. "And I will always cherish playing here at Campbell. Whenever I can, I will be here to watch the games and support the team."

Caviness emphasized the fellowship among her Campbell teammates. "We really are a close group," she said. "There are terrific people on the team and we all support each other. You don't hear anything negative on the field or in the dugout; we have fun. Yes, it hurts to lose a close game, but the team plays great defense behind me and everyone always goes all out. I had many great plays made behind me and that is unforgettable."

Campbell plays mutilple games this weekend in the Winthrop Tournament.

"That's what we do in the college game," Caviness said. "We have three starting pitchers (Kelly Weaver and Brittany Stanley are the other two), so we alternate."

Caviness said she is grateful for being able to play three years of Division I softball.

"After all, that's more than most people get," she said.