Lee County’s Josie Nix signs with Georgia Southwestern

LEESBURG — Dave Baltenberger remembered a young freshman on his Lee County soccer team three years ago that was willing to learn everything she could.

That drive helped Josie Nix land a college scholarship where she will continue her career at nearby Georgia Southwestern next year. Nix signed a letter-of-intent Thursday afternoon in the Lee County High School cafeteria.

“She’s grown up a lot in four years,” Baltenberger said. “She has grown into being a leader. If I tell her what we need to do, then she takes care of it. She’s taken hold of that role.”

Nix’s leadership helped the Lady Trojans into the state tournament where they recorded a 1-0 victory over Marietta Wednesday night in the first round. Lee County will travel to play at perennial state power Lassiter Wednesday night.

Nix said she wanted to stay close to home.

“I looked at other places like Columbus State, Valdosta State, places that are close, but Southwestern seemed to be the best fit for me,” she said. “I like when my parents are there to support me. It means a lot.”

Baltenberger, who teaches advanced science, said he had Nix as a student last year.

“She’s a really good kid,” he said. “When they come to you as freshmen, they’re still learning, but it’s kind of neat to see them grow up. When they’re on the field, they have a little different personality. When in school, it’s about doing what they’ve got to do. But on the field, they get a little more competitive.”

Nix signed in front of teammates, classmates and family. She said she has plans to major in marketing but wants to see where soccer takes her. She said signing Thursday made her nervous.

“To have that much support from my friends and family, it means a lot,” she said. “All I’m going to do is try my hardest and see where it takes me.”