South Forsyth outfielder Michael Strait verbally committed to the University of Richmond on Sunday.

Strait picked Richmond over offers from Georgia Southwestern State and Wingate, a pair of Division II schools. But Richmond offer Strait the chance to play Division I baseball in the Atlantic 10 Conference, an opportunity he couldn’t pass up after visiting the campus.

“It’s a very good academic school,” Strait said. “When I went up there, I really loved the campus. Very nice campus. And finally, it just allowed me to reach my goal of becoming a Division I athlete.”

The 6-foot, 190-pounder said he first met Richmond coaches at a showcase event in Myrtle Beach, S.C., this past June. The Spiders’ staff stayed in contact with him throughout the summer. Strait eventually heard from Richmond head coach Tracy Woodson who convinced him to visit. Woodson promptly offered Strait on the visit.

“It’s really exciting,” Strait said. “It also gives me a chance to relax a little bit and focus on my senior year at South.”

Strait and the War Eagles endured a turbulent season this past spring. South lost eight straight games early on to fall to 3-11 but went 7-5 down the stretch and entered the final week of the regular season with a mathematical chance of making the playoffs.

With his college commitment out of the way, Strait said he’s focused on helping South become playoff contenders again.

 “I think we have a strong senior class. I think we have about 12 seniors,” Strait said. “We really feel good about putting together a good team this year, and I know we’re all really excited to see what we can put out on the field.