Victoria East's Elkins commits to Texas Tech

There was not an epiphany, or Eureka moment, for Lexie Elkins. As long as the Victoria East senior can remember she has played softball. Those memories also included an aspiration to play collegiate softball.

Her dreams are closer to reality after announcing her commitment to Texas Tech over the weekend.

"Everywhere I went, besides Texas Tech, I felt there was something missing." Elkins said Monday night. "When I went to Texas Tech this past weekend, I felt every piece of the puzzle was there. I couldn't be happier."

Area pitchers might be happy to see Elkins go, after the numbers she produced her junior year. In 34 games, she hit .530 with a .704 slugging percentage and 43 runs scored.

As single-minded as Elkins may have been about her softball goals, Victoria East softball coach Lee Price said the senior catcher is a consummate leader on and off the field.

"If she goes into a slight slump, and her slight slump is going 1-4 in a game, she will stay after and work on the tee," Price said. "If she has a passed ball, she'll stay after and work on blocking balls. She's the best athlete I've ever coached."

She also considered Houston-Baptist, Louisiana State and Iowa. However, there was something about the Lubbock-based school that made it the perfect fit for her.

The Red Raiders were 41-17 in 2012 and made a third straight appearance in the NCAA tournament this spring. The 2012 team had five catchers. By the time Elkins is eligible to play for head coach Shannon Hays, in 2014, four will have exhausted eligibility.

Elkins, the daughter of Tammy and Jason Elkins, spoke for a few minutes Monday evening after catching her brother, Ryan, who plays for the Howell Middle School football team. The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind for her, but a period where she said she's felt truly blessed.

"To play on the biggest stage, with the biggest opponents, with a big team is what I've wanted to do my entire life," Elkins said. "I know I will play at my personal best and I will get to my personal best, so it's exciting."