Personal Statement
Making Up for Lost Time…
Hello! My name is Nicole Bellis and I recently graduated from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa with a 4.0. Whilst there, I was able to pursue my love for the game and further grew in my knowledge of softball. I gained great experience as I quickly found my way into the lineup during my freshman year while playing multiple positions on the field including second, third, and every outfield position.
Despite the early end to my freshman season due to Covid, I focused on capitalizing on my strengths and came back even stronger during my sophomore season. In April of 2021 I was twice awarded “Player of the Week” for the ICCAC Conference which then led to my being named “NJCAA National Player of the Week” for all of D1 JUCO softball during the weeks of April 1st-7th and April 22nd-28th. My amazing team and I continued to work hard all season and eventually won our Conference and Region before finishing the season at our District games.
I ended the season with a .471 batting average, .514 on base percentage, .850 slugging percentage, 88 hits, and 18 homeruns. But what I am most proud of is garnering 101 RBIs on the season, breaking the 25-year-old school record which had previously been 94. After the season ended, I was named as the ICCAC Conference Player of the Year, named to the NJCAA D1 NFCA Midwest First Team All-Region Team, was a unanimous pick by the NFCA for the D1 JUCO First Team All-American Team, and was then awarded First Team All-American by the NJCAA.
Although blessed with numerous awards, none would be possible without the help of my outstanding teammates, coaches, family, friends, and all who have continued to support me on my student-athlete journey thus far. I am eager to continue my playing career at a four-year university where I can both grow and put my skills to use while honoring the sport I love.
