Warren Central’s Duck is heading to a bigger pond.

Senior shortstop Lawren Boolos — whose nickname is “Duck” — signed a letter of intent on Friday to play fast-pitch softball at Hinds Community College. The five-year starter is the first member of the 2015 Lady Vikes senior class to sign a letter of intent.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since kindergarten, I guess. However long ago,” Boolos said with a chuckle. “It’s finally here. The hard work paid off.”

Boolos was always a solid defensive infielder, but came into her own as a hitter in 2013. She posted a .339 average — double what she’d done as a sophomore — scored 16 runs and drove in 22.

Boolos has also played second base during her high school career, and wasn’t sure which position she’d play at Hinds.

“She had a really good year. A breakout year,” WC coach Dana McGivney said. “I’m excited to see what she’ll do this season. Now that the pressure is off of ‘where am I going to play, what am I going to do?’ maybe she can just relax and enjoy it.”

That seemed to be the plan for Boolos. She said a big part of Hinds’ appeal was the comfort level of being close to home and playing a lower level of college softball.

“It was close to home, a great campus, great dorm, great people, all that stuff,” Boolos said. “I’m not going to go pro. I’m not going to be an Olympic medalist or anything, so it’s not too serious. I still need to keep my grades up. It’s not too far away from home. It’s just comfortable.”