Hayley Earl '18 Recruiting Profile

I grew up living, learning and breathing the game of softball. Softball is by far my most favorite activity. I'm the type of person that plays best when I am happy, and being on the field energizes me when my cleats touch the dirt. I still play like I did when I was younger, to have fun and enjoy the time with my team. But I also play to win. When game time comes around, I am ready to give it all I have got because I am very competitive and driven to win. I am always pushing myself to make sure I give my very best effort, to provide the best chance of being successful, both on the field and in school. Playing softball in college will allow me to continue playing the game I love while also helping me to get an education to prepare me for my future after the game. 

On November 17th, 2013, and F4 tornado went through the town of Washington and destroyed our home. It was the game of softball that helped me to get through this difficult time. I remember my coach asked if I wanted to take a break from practice to deal with the problems the tornado caused. I replied that I wanted to get back to practice to get away from having to deal with the loss of my home. I wanted to do what I love to help me forget about everything else. Softball was my therapy. While playing softball, all my troubles drifted away. This event helped to reinforce how much I want to continue playing softball for as long as I can. I want to play at the collegiate level and continue to grow, loving this amazing sport.