Being close to home was the perk. Being a college softball player was always the goal no matter where it was. 

Mattoon High School senior Elizabeth Enlow gets to enjoy both worlds after committing to Lake Land College to further her softball career. The combo pitcher/outfielder made her decision over Christmas break and can now focus solely on her softball season. 

“I chose Lakeland because the coaches have really high standards for their players and are always working to win,” said Enlow. “The coaches are always pushing their players to become not only better softball players, but better people. The softball program is one I’ve been following for a while.”

Lake Land College is coming off one of the most successful seasons in their program’s history. Last year, Lake Land finished 56-13, which was just one win shy of tying the school record of 57-14 set in 2017. Former Mattoon graduate Jordan Sapp was named the Regional 24 Player of the Year, while the team made an appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Tournament. 

Enlow joins 2023 Charleston graduate Erin Blair as another local recruit that looks to help continue the team’s tradition of success. Enlow said that a few colleges up north were interested in her but the success and culture are what drew her to Lake Land. 

“I know Coach Nelson, Denny, and Coach Hendrix will get me where I want to be, said Enlow. “When I went on my visit I felt right at home. The girls, the coaches, and just the atmosphere is what I knew would work best for me.”

Last season, Enlow played in 26 games for the 13-14 Green Wave. At the plate, she hit .319 with 30 hits out of 99 plate appearances with 23 runs, 19 runs batted in, four doubles, two triples, and two home runs. Enlow was also used as a pitcher where she threw 63 innings and owned a 4.56 earned run average. Enlow owned a 6-3 record with 30 strikeouts, and 16 walks. 

Being a college athlete means I get to continue playing the sport I love with new teammates at a higher level.

“I will play anywhere that gets me playing time and anywhere my team needs me to play,” said Enlow. “But, I do hope to play mostly in the outfield.”

Enlow plans on majoring in elementary education. 

“I want to thank my parents for being my number one supporters,” said Enlow. “I also want to thank Brian Lee (travel coach) for never giving up on me and making me a better person and softball player. I also would like to thank my travel teammates that I’ve played with since I was 10. I love them all so much and they always pushed me at practice and made the games extra fun.”