詹姆斯•麦迪 is a sophomore earning his Associates in Business from Louisburg College.

Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, McGrady loves wakeboarding, snow skiing, and playing 棒球. He plays two-way as a middle infielder and pitcher on the Louisburg College 棒球队.

McGrady heard about Louisburg College through his high school 棒球 coach. 虽然 he played for Western Carolina for a fall semester, transitioning to Louisburg College in the spring was pretty easy.

“Louisburg was one of the only places I could play my spring semester,” 麦迪说. “[But the transition] was pretty easy. I came in and had instant friends on the 棒球 团队. And I wasn’t being overwhelmed by a big town or anything.”

Making friends with the 棒球 团队 not only made the transition to Louisburg easier but made playing at the College more enjoyable for McGrady. He believes that being able to hang out with the 棒球 团队 has made their on-field connection stronger. 

McGrady believes that being able to play under Coach Herring and the College’s 棒球 staff is fun to work with. After stepping into more of a leadership role as one of the older members on the 团队, he finds he’s learned a lot from his coaches.

“You learned things from the different coaches, whether it’s about 棒球 or life,” 麦迪说. “I’ve enjoyed playing for Louisburg and for Coach Herring. 这是 a good time for me.”

Outside of 棒球, McGrady likes the small feel of Louisburg College and the close-knit, friendly atmosphere inside the classrooms and around campus.

“I think the small classes and that you can always get a chance to know your professor [is something I really like],” 麦迪说. “Everybody here is super friendly - students and staff - and being able to do stuff together like play pick-up basketball is fun.”

As McGrady plans to move his academic ventures to Virginia Commonwealth University, he believes that studying at Louisburg College has prepared him for what’s to come.

“From an academic standpoint, I’m definitely prepared to move on to VCU. 我都有 my credits and taken the classes I need, so I’m ready for a smooth transition,” McGrady 说. “And in terms of 棒球, I have a lot more experience and I’m a better player than when I got here.”

When asked to give advice to students hoping to come to Louisburg College, McGrady 说 to take your time and build yourself up.

“As a student-athlete, all the practices and staff are here to help you get to the level you want,” 麦迪说. “And as a student, this is a great place to build yourself up. 

“You can come here and get refocused and do what you need to do for your academics so you can move on to the next spot.”

McGrady will be transferring to VCU after graduation to study Business (and is leaning toward business marketing).