James Wood senior Lauren Beatty, a top distance runner for the Colonels over her four-year career, has verbally committed to Converse University in Spartansburg, South Carolina.  Lauren will be receiving a full scholarship between the academic and athletic tuition assistance.  The Valkyries compete in the NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas.  Lauren will run both cross country and track for Converse U.  An official signing date will be announced here when finalized.