Best Friends, Fierce Competitors: 2026 Lainey Hall and Sam Basen’s Journey from Teammates to Conference Rivals

Best Friends, Fierce Competitors: Lainey Hall and Sam Basen’s Journey from Teammates to Conference Rivals

Lainey Hall and Sam Basen’s friendship and shared journey through softball is one marked by loyalty, growth, and competitive fire. Beginning in Jupiter, Florida, as teammates on a local travel team, the 07 Seahawks, the two have developed from local stars to committed Division 1 athletes, now set to face each other in the American Conference. Hall is committed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), while Basen will join Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Their path together is not only a story of athletic progress but also of friendship and resilience, with each now ready to make her mark at the college level.

From Local Travel Team to National Competition

Hall and Basen first connected on the 07 Seahawks under the leadership of Coach Jon Drinkwater. Drinkwater’s leadership style focused on growth over trophies, creating a competitive yet fun environment that fueled their development as players. He recalls this approach as essential in preparing them for future stages, noting that they sought out challenging events across Florida and beyond, starting at 12U.

The team roster was stacked with promising players, including Corey Goguts, now committed to Ole Miss, and Sydney Shaffer, committed to the University of South Florida. Together, this young group competed fiercely in Florida’s top tournaments, taking on elite teams and testing their skills against strong opposition. Their early years of development and competition laid a solid foundation for the high level of play they would continue to achieve as they advanced.

As they matured, the pair became even closer, both on and off the field. Hall and Basen played their middle school years at Jupiter Middle School, where they were integral to the team’s success. They achieved an undefeated district championship in their eighth-grade year, which helped define their roles as leaders and competitors. Hall continued developing as a shortstop and a pitcher, while Basen became a versatile utility player, contributing in catcher, infield, and outfield roles.

High School Success and Challenges

Hall and Basen entered Jupiter High School with high expectations and quickly became a powerful pitcher-catcher duo. Their partnership on the field brought standout performances and success, leading their team to the regional finals. Unfortunately, Hall broke her foot in a post-game celebration following a significant win, halting their progress. While this setback was a challenge, it underscored the strength of their connection and the determination they shared to support each other, even through unexpected trials.

As the season ended, Hall’s family faced a major decision due to her father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, eventually moving to Charleston, South Carolina. Despite the distance, she stayed with the Rock Gold Manetta travel team alongside Basen, ensuring they could continue competing together on the field they’d grown to love.

Other Influential Teammates and the Gators Jackson Connection

During their journey, Hall and Basen crossed paths with other talented players who would also go on to earn Division 1 commitments. Shaffer, the standout pitcher, went on to join Johnny Manetta’s 18U team and is now committed to USF. The two also played with Tori Payne, who went on to commit to the University of Central Florida. Together, Hall and Shaffer helped lead their Gators Jackson team to a PGF State Championship in 14U, a key achievement that reinforced their development and high-level skills.

Although each of the players took different paths through the sport, their shared experiences on competitive teams helped them grow individually and collectively, pushing them toward their collegiate commitments.

Looking Ahead to Collegiate Competition

Now committed to UAB and FAU, respectively, Hall and Basen will transition from teammates to rivals, but their bond remains unwavering. Hall’s commitment to UAB and Basen’s to FAU make their story unique, as they’ll be competing in the same conference. For Hall, the transition to UAB allows her to continue growing in a program that values her skill set and offers her a platform to build upon. Basen’s choice of FAU provides her a close-to-home opportunity to continue excelling in a program that fits her versatility and strengths.

A Lasting Friendship Beyond the Game

While softball has brought Hall and Basen tremendous success and growth, it is their friendship that stands out as the most significant constant through their journey. From local travel teams in Jupiter, Florida, to high-level competition across the nation, they’ve continued to push each other to be better athletes and teammates. Their friendship will surely continue to thrive as they face each other in the American Conference, each striving for victory while celebrating the bond that has defined much of their young lives.

This upcoming season marks the start of a new chapter, as these lifelong friends prepare to compete as rivals in college.

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