Desiree Bumpers '18 Recruiting Profile

Desiree K. Bumpers’ Personal Statement

My name is Desiree’ Bumpers, I am a Senior at Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School in Little Rock, AR.  I play short stop on my high school softball team, but I have experience playing multiple positions.  I played second base and outfield on my travel softball team Worth Wicked 99. 

I plan on using my unique skill set to help impact the softball team on a collegiate level.  Playing multiple sports over the years have enabled me to be more versatile and flexible on the softball field.  Playing basketball has enhanced my endurance, hand-eye coordination, balance, and athletic agility.  In softball, I made 5A All-State tournament team and 5A West All-Conference 2017.     

What has influenced me the most in choosing to play Softball is the love I have for the game, my coaches, teammates, family, and faith in God.  I have been playing softball since I was 5 years old.  Although I became interested in softball at an early age, my passion and study of softball have helped me gain a better understanding and appreciation for the game. 

I have learned a lot since playing softball.  Some of the things I have learned is to be resilient, how to set and attain personal goals, how to overcome obstacles, practice makes perfect, attitude is helpful or harmful, success requires sacrifice, how to deal with stress and pressure, and playing together as a team.   

My academic goals are a priority.  My parents have always encouraged me to be a student athlete, while stressing the importance of getting good grades.  I am committed to my education, and as a student athlete, managing my time has consistently been my priority.  I possess a 3.3 Grade Point Average (GPA), rank #63/273 in my Senior Class, and scored a 19 on the American College Test (ACT).   What makes me unique is that I am gifted in various areas.  I start on my High School Basketball team, as a guard/post.  I have a passion for music.  I am a member of the high school marching band as well as the school orchestra.  I play the trumpet in the band and the cello in the orchestra.  Participating and excelling in these activities have been challenging at times, but self-discipline and will to win have allowed me to be persistent! 

Some of the obstacles I’ve had to overcome to get to where I am, include suffering and rehabilitating a broken ankle while playing travel softball the summer entering my junior year.  This really impacted me, as I thought I wouldn’t be able to play sports beginning my junior year.  Through physical rehab and mental toughness, my ankle was conditioned and strong enough to play team sports in the fall.  Another obstacle I had to overcome was playing through a losing season, to placing 4^th in conference, and helping to lead my high school softball team to the state tournament in 2017, the first in school history. 

Unique skills that I possess include:  creativity, honesty, tech-savvy, trouble-shooter, and juggling.   I am truly a team player!  I support and respect others, I am reliable and committed, and I have a great attitude!  My coaches and teammates would best describe me as full of life, competitive, and humble.  If allowed to play softball on a collegiate level, I know that I will be able to fully grow, reach my potential, and flourish!

Sincerely,

Desiree Bumpers