Ciara Flaherty '25 Recruiting Profile

     Softball has been a part of my life since I was 6 years old. It did not matter if I was practicing at home or playing in a game I knew I was having fun. As time passed I grew to love the game of softball. From Little League to summer league to travel softball I was excited and eager to play the game. When I was not on the field I attended softball camps and clinics because I had the desire to learn more about the game and improve my skills. This determination and the motivation to improve was evident this past year as I earned the starting catcher’s position on varsity as a freshman in high school.

     Softball has made a positive impact on my life. The game taught me to have self-confidence, creativity, sportsmanship, and grit. Softball can be a game of peaks and valleys. One may fail many times but that does not mean give up. Through this game, the characteristics of perseverance has become a part of me as well. The idea of if situations do not go as planned, learn from them and try again and eventually you will succeed. I am a coachable player. Many of my coaches describe me as a sponge. Whatever is being taught, ideas, drills or strategy I learn it and apply it soaking up as much information as I could. I have played many positions on the field. No matter what the situation is, I give 100% effort.

     These attributes are not reserved for the field alone. They can be applied to the classroom and life in general. Having the can do and never quit attitude along with constantly challenging yourself and assisting others are a great combination. 

     Looking forward in the future with this mindset, I plan on majoring in criminal justice (criminology) upon entering college. I am looking for a college that offers a substantial criminal justice (criminology) program and the opportunities that accompany it. I will continue to focus on both education and softball as I persue my goals. I am a hard worker not only on the field but in the classroom as well. I look forward to both the challenges and opportunities.