Livingston Academy student-athlete Andrew Goolsby committing to continue his baseball career at Cumberland University during a signing ceremony held on campus Monday.
Andrew Goolsby said the opportunity to play at the next level represents the culmination of years of dedicated training. Goolsby said the recruitment process included a personal workout and campus tour that solidified his interest in the university’s environment.
“I’m just really grateful for the opportunity that God’s given me to show my talents,” Goolsby said. “I’ve worked really hard and my parents have pushed me and all the coaches I’ve ever had have pushed me, so I’m just I’m grateful to have this blessing to go continue my continue my athletic career.”
Goolsby said the coaching staff at Cumberland played a significant role in his decision to join the program. Goolsby said the university offers a campus life and academic structure that appealed to him beyond the baseball diamond.
“Coach Balmer, he done a really good job,” Goolsby said. “I went down there a month or two ago and I had a workout with him and he showed me around the school and just the campus life and the academic part of it. Just it looks like a school that even if I didn’t play baseball, that I could still go there and have a great time.”
Goolsby said his experience as a multi-sport athlete at Livingston Academy has prepared him to fill various roles on a collegiate roster. Goolsby said he is willing to adapt to any position the coaching staff requires to help the team succeed.
“I’m a utility guy, so whatever they need I’m always there,” Goolsby said. “I’m I’m up to do anything, whatever they need me to do.”
Goolsby said his time in Livingston was defined by the support of role models across the football, baseball, and basketball programs. Goolsby said the community and school system provided a foundation of encouragement throughout his high school years.
“Livingston Academy’s always gonna have a special place in my heart cuz I’ve played all the sports, I played football, baseball, and basketball and I’ve had coaches and teachers always support me and I’ve had a lot of great role models going to Livingston Academy, so it’s always gonna be in a special place,” Goolsby said.
Goolsby said young athletes in the community should remain persistent in their training and open to coaching if they want to reach the collegiate level.
“Never stop working, man,” Goolsby said. “Be in the gym every day and listen to all your coaches and no matter what team you’re on, no matter what you’re doing, just do your best at it and just never be satisfied.”
Goolsby said his faith remains the primary motivation behind his athletic and academic pursuits as he prepares for the transition to Cumberland.
“I just I want to give all my glory and praise to Jesus Christ,” Goolsby said. “I wouldn’t be here without Him and I just every day just workin’ to be a better Christian and just to praise Him through my sports, through my school, through my work, just every day.”
