Tripp Barfield is taking his baseball talents to the next level. The Pam Pack pitcher committed to UNC Asheville Wednesday afternoon. His parents, coaches, and others in the Washington athletics community accompanied him as he put pen to paper.

His recruitment began a little late, but was still fruitful. Barfield, a senior pitcher and infielder for Washington, earned the opportunity to play at the Division I level after he graduates in the spring.

“It’s really late for you to be recruited basically going into your senior year of high school,” he said. “It’s really late in the recruiting process, so I’m really thankful to get hooked up with a team and for somebody to recruit me.”

Barfield caught a few eyes during showcase games. He was pegged as one of the top 100 players in the state. He also traveled to Atlanta for another showcase event. Both gave Barfield a stage to show off his skills in front of scouts.

“(UNC Asheville) contacted me and asked me where I was in the recruiting process, and what I thought about playing at Asheville and playing Division I,” he said.

He’s had plenty of contact with the Bulldogs coaching staff since then.

“I haven’t really talked to any of the players, but the coaches are great. They treat me like I’m one of theirs,” Barfield said. “I just kind of feel at home with the coaches — especially the head coach. He does things the right way, from what I can tell. They’re just good coaches that I want to play for.”

The prospect of playing Division I baseball is something Barfield has dreamed of. His competitive nature makes him eager to take on the next-level talent he’ll be facing.

“I’m really excited. I’m ready to compete, especially with the best of the best in Division I,” he said. “That’s exciting for me. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”

Barfield has his senior campaign left before he heads off to the college ranks. The Pam Pack is in a good position to build on last year’s winning season. Barfield will be an important piece to continuing the success.

“I’m expecting to go out there and shut things down,” he said. “I expect for our team to play good together, for us to win a lot of games, and for us to make a deep run in the playoffs.”

Coach Kevin Leggett added, “He’s been working really hard. He’s been working really hard the past few years, and it’s finally showing his hard work has paid off. It’s really good for the program because it’s been a few years since we’ve had a guy sign. … I think he and our pitching staff (this season) is going to be able to compete with anyone in the state. … Tripp’s going to be looked at to lead them.”

Washington’s baseball season is set to begin against Rose on Feb. 28, 2017.