Calvary Baptist standout DJ Lynch commits to play softball for Northwestern State

By Jimmy Watson // Contributing Writer – Shreveport Times

SHREVEPORT – The 2023 Shreveport Times softball Player of the Year, DJ Lynch of Calvary Baptist, has verbally committed to play collegiate softball for Northwestern State, she said Monday afternoon.

One of the most consistent power hitters in Louisiana over the past four years, Lynch initially had planned to hang up her glove and cleats when the Cavaliers’ season ends in a few weeks, probably in Sulphur with a fourth consecutive state title.

“But I’ve thought about it, and I have the feeling that there’s more to come from me. I’m not done yet,” Lynch said. “I didn’t want to be in college next year and have regrets about not continuing to play. Then it would be too late.”

The LSWA All-Stater visited Natchitoches last Thursday then called NSU coach Lacy Prejean today and committed.

“The program is definitely moving forward, and I loved everything about the school on my visit,” Lynch said. “Coach Prejean wants to have a winning program and I come from a winning program.”

Calvary has won LHSAA state titles in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and is currently No. 1 in the LHSAA Select Division III Power Ratings. The Lady Cavs (28-1) knocked off Non-Select D-II No. 1 North DeSoto 6-4 last Friday in which Lynch drilled a two-run home run off Louisiana Tech signee Laney Johnson.

The second baseman is currently hitting .576 with 12 home runs, 14 doubles, 2 triples, 41 RBIs and 49 runs scored. She’s struck out just three times in 92 at-bats and has been walked 14 times. She has a .974 fielding percentage with just one error at second base.

Last year in Sulphur, Lynch was the MVP of the state championship game after hitting .1000 for the semifinal and championship games. She was the 2023 Times POY after hitting .528 with 19 home runs, 45 RBIs while scoring 61 runs. As a sophomore outfielder, Lynch batted .427 with 10 home runs.