NCSA caught up with softball standout Lindsey Stout about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game or tournament?
Stout: Before games I listen to music to get me pumped up, I also try to visualize what it is I want to accomplish that game or tournament. I also try to pump up my teammates and show a lot of energy because if people are more energetic around me I tend to be more pumped up too.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to, if and when you get the opportunity to play in college?
Stout: If I get the opportunity to play at a collegiate level I am looking forward to being able to play with and against people that are as good or better than me and being able to better myself because of it. I am also looking forward to meeting a ton of new people and form new friendships.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in the sport of softball?
Stout: I got involved in softball because I love sports and softball/ baseball runs in my family. A lot of people in my family play sports, so it was natural for me to follow suit. I have also always watched baseball on TV with my family and have always loved the game.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Stout: Actually, I am just beginning my recruiting process and have not yet been able to interact with coaches to the fullest extent, but I am definitely looking forward to it.
NCSA: How are your teams doing so far?
Stout: This past year our high school team made it to sectional finals before losing. We had a good season finishing with a winning record. For travel ball we did very well finishing with an impressive record of 43-8-0, all while losing many players to injuries. Overall my teams have done well and this has been one of my better years with hitting and my defensive skills are always improving.
NCSA: What are your goals, athletically, academically and in your community, for the rest of the school year?
Stout: My goals athletically are to become stronger, faster, quicker. I want to improve myself and take myself to the next level by pushing myself. Academically I want to maintain a high GPA and I would like to volunteer more for my community. I really want to improve my skills so that I can be that much better than my competition.
NCSA: Tell us about what you've learned since being with NCSA.
Stout: I have learned a lot about the college recruiting process, including how to talk with coaches and how to represent and present myself in different situations. My biggest take-away from my experience would be all the advice I am receiving and knowing that someone was always there to help me if I needed it. So far it has been great and I am positive it will continue to get better!
