Donegal grad transfers to Lock Haven to pursue PSAC women's basketball championship

The past and present came together when Kiera Baughman walked into Lock Haven's locker room. There, hanging in front of her, was No. 11.

Baughman has long worn No. 3. That was on her back when she scored 1,777 points at Donegal and when she poured in 1,001 more at IUP.

The new number belonged to her parents, Thomas and Kelli, when they played rugby and volleyball at Lock Haven. Making the switch was a tribute.

"I didn't tell them until our visit," Baughman said. "My mom just looked at me and was like, 'Are you sure about this?'"

Baughman was sure. The graduate student committed to her mom and dad's alma mater for her final basketball season. It was an interesting decision that could lead to a memorable winter.

Transferring is common these days in college athletics, even if it means jumping from one PSAC rival to another.

Baughman played three seasons at IUP, starting all 57 games the past two, before graduating in the spring. She had one more year of eligibility because she lost her freshman season to COVID.

When she looked around for a new home, Lock Haven emerged as an obvious choice. Not just because of her family's history. The Bald Eagles won the Eastern Division and reached the PSAC final last season. Baughman has a chance to chase a title.

"If we didn't win last year, would we have had a chance at her?" Lock Haven coach Jennifer Smith said. "Probably not. But I think she wanted an opportunity to win and enjoy the process. We can offer both of those things."

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A perfect fit

Smith watched Baughman play when she was becoming Donegal's all-time leading scorer. Lock Haven's coach went to Eastern York, played at Millersville and knows the area well.

The problem for Smith was Baughman was out of reach. The former All-State selection was talented enough to earn a full scholarship and Lock Haven only offers partial scholarships.

Baughman landed at IUP, became a starter as a sophomore and an All-PSAC West selection as a junior. The 5-foot-6 guard averaged 11.5 points and 2.6 assists while playing 30 minutes per game.

Lock Haven is coming off a breakthrough season when it recorded a school-record 29 wins and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1991.

The only starter the Bald Eagles lost from that team was point guard Taylor Leidy. Baughman will fill that position.

"She has stepped into it flawlessly," Smith said. "Just watching her with the rest of the team, you wouldn't know that she just joined them."

Baughman is friends with Chandler Swanson, who played at Lock Haven last season, and saw how talented the team was through the eyes of an opponent. The Bald Eagles went 21-1 in conference play.

Once she made a visit, enjoyed her time with her teammates and the culture of the program, there was no reason to look anywhere else.

"I've been on teams that have played together and have been successful," Baughman said. "I've also been on the other end of it. It's more 'me' ball. Here, everybody is playing for the same reason. Nobody cares who scores. As long as we score, we win."

Lock Haven, which opens the season at home against Concord Friday, is the preseason favorite to win the PSAC East. Baughman will get a chance to play more games closer to home against teams like Millersville, Kutztown and West Chester.

Smith hit the jackpot. One of the PSAC's top point guards arrived just in time to fill Lock Haven's only glaring need.

"You stay somewhere, you stay loyal for 18 years, you're due a little luck every once in a while," Smith said. "She fits here. She fits in our program in so many ways."

A sports family

This will be a sentimental season for Baughman. A few months filled with lasts. Last opener, last trip to each PSAC rival and eventually the last game.

Baughman, who also played field hockey at Donegal and was LNP | LancasterOnline.com's female athlete of the year in 2020 , has known she wanted to play college hoops since fourth grade.

"Basketball had my heart," she said. "That's what I always wanted to pursue."

Baughman is working toward a master's degree in business administration. She wants to become a college coach or athletic director down the line.

Sports were woven into her family's fabric. In addition to having two athletic parents, younger brothers Landen and Leelan are athletes. Landen plays football at Lebanon Valley College and Leelan is a sophomore at Donegal.

"It kept my competitive edge up," Kiera said. "Especially those two. They definitely kept me on my toes. I wouldn't be where I am without them."

Lock Haven is the ideal place for Baughman to complete this part of her sports journey. She will join her mom and dad as an alumnus.

"This is a full circle moment for her and her family," Smith said. "I think sometimes things are meant to happen and this was one of them."

Maybe this season will bring the perfect ending: a PSAC championship. No. 11 wants to go out as No. 1.