Power at the plate: Rachael Baldyga commits to Christopher Newport University

Caroline Newcomb, Staff Writer

October 23, 2025

Recently committing to play collegiately, Rachel Baldayga (’26) has been a prolific batter for the Falcons. Photo used with permission from Rachel Baldayga.

For the past 4 years, Green Hope Softball has had its fair share of talent. The impact of Rachael Baldyga (‘26) has never shone brighter than right now. Known for her leadership and commitment, Baldyga’s wide range of impressions throughout her softball career has all shown its purpose.

Baldyga began her mark as a Falcon in the 2022-2023 spring season. Freshman Rachael struck coaches, quickly noticing her immediate, ruthless, but impressive and dominant presence on the field. Ranking in the top 52 in Division 4A East, listed #30 on the Division 4A East OBP leaderboard with a .587 OBP (on base percentage)

By the spring of 2023-2024, Baldyga secured her permanent spot on Green Hope’s varsity softball team. Holding both roles in the batting lineup and infield positions, Rachael’s skills of leadership and competitiveness grew stronger than ever.

Entering her junior season, 2025 had big things for Baldyga. Offensively, she drove her team to many moments of victory that highlighted many of the team’s strengths. Meeting many firsts, Green Hope Softball’s stats met numbers like no other. Breezing through her junior season with 7 home runs, .720 on-base percentage, and RBI’s of 30. In a gripping match-up vs the Athens Drive Jaguars, she went 4-for-4 with 6 RBIs and 2 home runs. Coming easily for Baldyga, third base continued to be her spot.

Her support and consistency carried the stepping stones of strength through her junior season. Her drive for accomplishment was met later in her junior season with First-Team All-Conference honors in the Southwest Wake Athletic Conference (SWAC). Baldyga says, “Green Hope softball has taught me how to be a leader and an inspiration to those around me. It created an atmosphere that allowed me to have pride while I represented my school.”

In addition to playing in the infield, Baldyga also pitches for the softball team. Photo used with permission from Rachel Baldyga.

Beyond her awards and stats, she is known for her focus on and off the field. Baldyga also participates in both Green Hope’s Varsity Women’s Basketball and Flag Football teams, while steadying a full academic career. Competing on a club level, she also plays for the Lady Lightning Gold (LLG) program. Baldyga highlights her inspiration throughout all these years from her “Competitive nature, love for the game and always chasing the reward that is playing at the next level.” Her leadership and raw talent were rapidly noticed by college eyes from all around.

After years, Baldyga formally committed to continue her academics and athletics to play softball at Christopher Newport University. She says, “I am incredibly excited to be a part of such a high-performance and competitive team.” Known for their recent national success and overall Division lll program, CNU awaits a player fulfilled with determination and true love for the sport of softball.

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About the Contributor

Caroline Newcomb, Staff Writer

Caroline Newcomb is a senior at Green Hope, and this is her first year writing for the GH Falcon. She believes that writing can unite a community, and has always been fascinated by the ability to captivate an audience, which led her to join the staff. She flourishes in the media world – whether that be working behind the scenes for our school news or writing for the GH Falcon. Volleyball plays a major role in Caroline’s life. Not only does she play for Green Hope, but she also runs the social media page for both her volleyball and the school’s softball team. With a lot on her plate, Caroline’s coordination comes in handy, making her organization one of her most admirable traits. When Caroline is not playing sports, you can find her working out, at the beach or listening to her favorite artist, Drake. If you catch Caroline a decade from now, expect to see her working with a sports team, focusing on curating their image and helping them grow as an athlete.