Lucas Hodne is committed to UConn to play Division 1 baseball.

Ever since Lucas Hodne was a little kid, he had two dreams: to play Division 1 baseball and to be drafted by a big league team. The Hopkinton native can cross one of those off of his list after recently committing to play baseball at the University of Connecticut.

“It means a lot,” Hodne said. “I know I still have more work to do, but it’s really great and I am thankful for the opportunity.”

Hodne is a junior at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, and has had the Huskies on his radar since the coaching staff watched him play for Team Massachusetts in the Future Games. He earned MVP honors at the showcase, which was held in Georgia.

“They reached out to me on August 1, the first day they could, and I have been to the school quite a few times,” Hodne said. “They watched me play in Georgia, and I did pretty well. I have always been a huge fan of the UConn campus, and I really like their coaching staff.”

UConn has been one of the top programs in the Big East under coach Jim Penders, who has been with the Huskies for 23 seasons and guided them to five straight regular-season conference titles.

“The best thing about UConn is that they have the longest-tenured coaching staff in college baseball,” Hodne said. “That meant a lot to me.”

He said all of these factors made his decision an easy one.

“Once I knew they were interested, it seemed like the best fit for me” he said.

During his time at St. Mark’s, Hodne primarily has been a shortstop and third baseman. But he said UConn values his versatility.

“They see me as a player who can play anywhere in the field, infield or outfield,” he said.

Hodne still has two years of high school baseball before he makes his way to Storrs. He said he wants to continue to improve on his athleticism and get faster so he becomes more of a stolen base threat. He also wants his play in the field to be “a little bit smoother and cleaner.”

Hodne said he wants to help his team win an Independent School League title. He also will have a chance to showcase his own skills with a Massachusetts contingent at the high school national championships in Omaha, Nebraska, this summer. He is hoping that will not be his last trip to Omaha.

“I want to go to the College World Series and help UConn win Big East championships,” Hodne said, adding that his second childhood goal is still ahead of him. “Ultimately, I want to get drafted. That’s what I have been dreaming about since I was 5 years old.”

Hodne said he is happy to have his family, including his mother Laura, dad Scott, and younger brother Trevor, in his corner as he continues his baseball career.

“They mean everything to me, they were super helpful and they really supported me and my college decision,” he said. “I am super thankful to have them by my side.”