HERNANDO, Miss. — On Dec. 3, senior golfer Avery Baker signed with Northwest Mississippi Community College during a ceremony in the Hernando High School library. Northwest, located in Senatobia, has become a popular choice for several members of the Class of 2026.
The signing drew a lively crowd, with many of Baker’s family members, friends and teammates attending to celebrate her accomplishment. Baker said the NWCC environment feels like home to her.
“Northwest’s environment feels like home to me, and that was one of the biggest reasons I chose to sign there,” Baker said.
Baker also offered advice to underclassmen on the team hoping to follow in her path.
“Keep your head up. Don’t worry too much, because they — the coaches — can see that you work hard, and your coach will put you in the right spot,” she said.
Baker added that Coach McNeil has been her biggest inspiration, helping her throughout her short yet rewarding years on the Hernando High girls golf team.
As for McNeil, she said Baker’s dedication and growth have stood out over the years.
“What’s not to love about Avery?” she said. “I’ve seen her persevere through both the good and bad moments, and her golf skills have only gotten stronger from her first to second year on the team.”
McNeil said she believes Baker’s future in college will be strong.
“Baker has such great things ahead of her, and she is going to be an amazing college golfer — her future is very, very bright,” McNeil said.
Baker’s signing was full of heartwarming moments, giving her a great ending to her senior season. She plans to major in elementary education and begin a career as an elementary school teacher.
“Avery has such great things ahead of her. She is going to be an amazing college golfer—her future is very, very bright,” McNeil said.
Baker’s signing marked a heartwarming end to her senior golf season and a promising beginning to her collegiate career.
