Softball | 9/3/2020 12:32:00 PM

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mississippi Valley State's Haleigh Eubanks-Baird was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and raised in Renova, Mississippi to Melvin Eubanks and Dr. Carolyn Eubanks. As the youngest of four siblings (Stephanie, John, Michael), Eubanks-Baird learned at an early age about the values of character, hard work, and integrity.

"My dad coached football at Coahoma Community College and was a Biology teacher, while my mom worked as a dentist," said Eubanks-Baird. "I like to tell everyone that my mom was the first African American woman to graduate from Dental school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School, so she has a lot to do with the choices I've made and has been a motivating-factor in my life. We are really a close-knit family and there is a pattern as well with us. We are all athletes, but my mom and dad stressed education, love, and hard work."

Instilled with those values Eubanks-Baird went on to attend Hayes Cooper Elementary in Merigold, Mississippi.

"Being in the PROJECT PASS program, I was exposed to history, performing arts, and visual arts," said Eubanks-Baird. "That is like my mom contribution. She also continued to foster that by sending me to different performing art programs throughout the summer until I was 18 years old."

"My dad on the other hand emphasized athletics. He taught me how to catch and throw a football first. By the age of five, I was running routes. It went from there of the mechanics of throwing a baseball to learning the mechanics of throwing a softball. Whatever I wanted to work on or to be in life I think that I had the full support of my parents to do so."

Having brothers who played football and a father who loved sports Eubanks-Baird was destined to excel and succeed not only on the field but most importantly in the classroom.

"My parents are multi-dimensional. They gave all those talents to me which I really appreciate," said Eubanks-Baird. "They instilled in me at a very young age how to be a God-fearing Christian with class, morals and values. Mainly to be dedicated and committed to my work."

As a freshman Eubanks-Baird enrolled in East Side High School which was recently merged with Cleveland High School to become Cleveland Central High School. She became a Trojan and continued her quest for greatness where she lived by the mantra, "Never say die, even in the face of defeat."

"As an athlete, I felt like I had big shoes to fill being that both of my brothers were standout football players. They paved the way," said Eubanks-Baird. "I wanted to be the best that I could be in softball, basketball, and track. But I stood out in softball the most."

"I considered playing softball for Delta State but unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to be recruited," said Eubanks-Baird. I was slightly disappointed but other opportunities opened for me. Lee Smith at Mississippi Valley State was very supportive and consistent. He would ride his motorcycle to my games from seventh to twelfth grade to see me play so I really appreciated that."

"I went with Lee because I felt like with his scholarship, I could continue to play softball and major in Biology to become a physician-scientist," said Eubanks-Baird. "As a little girl, I always wanted to be a doctor-scientist, so I felt like that was the best route for me to take to pursue that goal."

Upon graduating high school Eubanks-Baird was given the option of excepting a partial art scholarship to Delta State or a full scholarship to Mississippi Valley State.

Having a mother who was raised in Itta Bena, Mississippi and a grandmother and aunt who resided in Itta Bena, Eubanks-Baird knew that MVSU would be the best fit for her. After arriving on campus the transition from high school to playing collegiate softball for Eubanks-Baird became challenging.

"I was one of nine freshman to come in that season because Lee had a huge class of seniors to graduate," said Eubanks-Baird. "When I arrived coach made us line up to run to first base while he timed us. At the time I was a right-handed hitter. We ran and he saw that I had a little speed which made him decide to shift me over to the left side of the plate to become a slapper. I did not know what being a slapper was, and it frustrated me. I grew up playing mostly park ball so I did not know what slapping was."

After transitioning to a slapper she eventually had a change of heart. Eager to become a starter Eubanks-Baird had to evaluate the situation and understand what Coach Smith was trying to accomplish. That was a period of substantial growth for her as she went back to the drawing board to work on her defensive and hitting skills.

"I met someone at a tournament once who showed me the proper footwork and mechanics," said Eubanks-Baird. "Coach Trina Peel-Prater was absolutely phenomenal. She was instrumental in my improvement."

Coupled with coming to practice an hour and a half early to become more skilled in slapping Eubanks-Baird began seeing growth after completing her sophomore season.

Following a productive summer she entered her junior season on a mission. The center fielder finished her junior campaign starting in 47 contests while tallying 52 hits with 36 runs including four doubles and two triples, 22 RBI, while boasting a .351 batting average. She held a .405 slugging percentage with 16 stolen bases in 20 attempts.

Eubanks-Baird and the Devilettes also concluded that season by capturing their sixth (third for Eubanks-Baird) consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference Softball title (a conference record to-date for softball) and a chance to compete in another NCAA Tournament.

"When coach made me learn how to slap I do not think that there was a day that I didn't come to practice early after that because I wanted to play so bad and I felt like I needed to be in the lineup," said Eubanks-Baird. "I knew that If I mastered this by putting a bunt down or dropping the ball behind the defense or power slapping it to the fence that's the threat coach was trying to create, on top of being a fast runner."

Her senior season went well as she finished the year with a .333 batting average, 42 hits, seven doubles, and 20 RBI, including 24 stolen bases.

After college knowing softball would not become her profession Eubanks-Baird began pursuing her childhood dreams of becoming a doctor.

"I applied to Jackson State University, where I was accepted into the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP) program and received my masters," said Eubanks-Baird. "Those two years, I worked in the Biology lab researching the Elucidation of the Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for the Inhibition of Proliferation of Human Colorectal Cancer (HT-29) Cells, by Treatment with Ocimum gratissimum (Og) Fractionated Leaf Extractions."

After pursuing and receiving her masters Eubanks-Baird was accepted into the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, Ark. to begin her journey towards a Doctoral degree. She then graduated in 2017 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences.

Currently, Eubanks-Baird is in her final year of studies at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn University. She is slated to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in the spring of 2021.

She recently received the Distinguished Student Award in General Surgery from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. In October she will be applying to General Surgery for residency.

Eubanks-Baird often returns to campus at MVSU to give back her time by talking to the incoming softball players about her roots and her journey.

"No matter what it is we talk about it because I want to help those ladies succeed," said Eubanks-Baird. "I love to have open dialogue with them. That ranges from education, softball, relationships, and everyday obstacles. I especially like to mentor the STEM majors. Coach really sends those players to me to help pipeline them into their respective fields of interests. I am proud that I was able to assist with the partnership between my Medical School and Mississippi Valley State University to increase the number of minorities in medicine."

"I really love spending time with coach. He still gives me great advice. He has been someone I have looked up to. He has not only given me tools for softball, but he has gifted me tools and skills for everyday life. I love MVSU Softball and the institution and I want the girls to know that if I can do it, they can do it to."