NCSA caught up with rising softball star Casey Horner about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?
Horner: I remember that it is a blessing that I get to play this wonderful sport. With this knowledge I won't let myself disappoint my team or myself. The desire to be the best shines through, plus, it doesn't hurt to be an underdog!
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play collegiate softball?
Horner: I am looking forward to bettering myself as a player and a student of the world. I want to meet new people and learn new ways of thinking. I want to learn new techniques for the game and, maybe, life. The feeling of accomplishing this great feat would be nice, too.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in softball?
Horner: I started at a young age. At that time, I was trying to find a sport that fit me. I saw my dad playing the sport, and I saw him having fun. I wanted to see if I would have the same fun. I didn't know that I would fall in-love with the sport! My love became my passion. My passion became my life - a life of softball.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Horner: My interaction with college coaches has been surprising. I didn't know that once I got into the scene that the pace would be so fast. I have received e-mails and letters from a variety of colleges across the country and a variety of levels. I have attended college showcases and camps such as: Rising Stars and Tusculum hitting camp. I have also had an unofficial visit to LSU. This life is really a life in the "fast lane"!
NCSA: How is your team doing so far?
Horner: My team has done unbelievably well. Our success has come from all of us working together. We won the prestigious South Carolina Bandits 16 Gold Showcase. We also won a couple other tough tournaments. Also, we went 5-1 in the Rising Stars at Ft. Lauderdale. Each of my teammates and I have accomplished many things. We each have gotten better on the field and in the classroom. Also, we all have had some major exposure, which is a goal. There is never a dull moment.
NCSA: What are your goals – athletically, academically and in your community – for the rest of the school year?
Horner: I want to maintain my high GPA average the rest of my sophomore year. I hope to continue this through the rest of my learning career. This is a challenge in itself because of the tough classes I am taking. For my athletic abilities, I plan to better my overall performances. I especially want to work on my speed. I want to keep improving overall. For the community, I want to get involved with volunteer work. Time is hard to find but anything is possible.
NCSA: Tell us about what you’ve learned since being with NCSA.
Horner: Through this organization, I have learned a great deal about the collegiate levels, getting noticed and myself. I have become more confident in my approach to college coaches. Yet, the most important thing that I have found through this experience is how large the world is, and how the world is waiting for me to take the opportunities I am presented. I have become a less naive and more daring person.
