Kelsie Travis ‘20 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

I have played softball since I was five years old. I have always had a passion for the game. I started playing travel ball for a 10u team when I was 7 years old, and have played travel ball every summer since then. My older sister also played softball, and my family is really serious about the sport. 

In 2014, I was in 6th grade, and I went to a small private school. I was the starting varsity pitcher at this school. Also, in 2014, my sister went to Oak Grove High School. She won them a state championship with her pitching that same year. The coach of Oak Grove offered me my sister's jersey if I were to come play for them. I took the offer, and was put on the varsity team as a 7th grader. We started off playing fall ball before the season, and I came in a few games to either clean up or help out. Right before the season started, I asked my parents if I could just sit this season out. When they asked me why, I told them that I didn't think I was mature enough for the public school varsity level yet. My parents were pretty shocked at my decision, but they allowed me to follow through with it. When my dad asked me what I wanted to do in my off time since I wasn't playing school ball that year, I told him that I wanted to use the time for training, building up my mental/physical strength, getting faster, and just overall improving and getting better. Again, my parents were astonished with my decision. So, throughout the rest of my 7th grade year, I spent all of my time working on what I loved the most (softball). I never stopped practicing, and I am proud to say that it paid off.

At the start of my 8th grade year, I had decided that I was mature enough. I joined the team again, and they were very glad to accept me. At this time, there was two senior pitchers. Age kind of trumped talent that year...so I did not really have a spotlight shining on me. I worked as hard as I could, and I did a fairly ok job in my eyes. We went to state this year, but we lost out first round.

My freshman year, I had all eyes on me. The team's fate was placed in my hands, and yes of course, where I pitched the ball. Still I was a little nervous at times, because some of these girls were so much older than me. I quickly learned that age didn't matter if I could blow it past them with a curveball. I carried my team to the state tournament. We got runner-up, but I completely believe that we could've won that game. But...ya know...they do say that you can't win em' all.

Now I said up above^^^^that I am a pitcher, but I am also an amazing shortstop, second baseman, and centerfielder. Not to mention, I have a hot bat too, and I run like lightning. My ultimate goal is to be the best player that comes through whatever college I attend.  Another goal of mine, is to win. I LOVE TO WIN.

I honestly think that I would be a good candidate for any team, because I have very amazing grades, good athletic potential, I know how to work hard for what I want, I am very responsible in everything I do, and many other reasons.

What makes me different from other recruits character wise:

1. I am responsible


2. I am honest


3. I am hardworking
   
   


4. I am extremely respectful


5. I take all criticism constructively


6. I try to correct any mistakes made


7. I follow directions


8. I LOVE TO WIN


9. I have good sportmanship


10. I am very open-minded


11. I have strong determination

What makes me different from other recruits athletics/academics wise:

1. I am hardworking


2.  I do not give up


3. I support my teammates through everything


4. I give good advice to my team


5. I do not mind failing and having to try multiple times


6. I pick my teammates up when they feel down


7. I make my team part of my family


8. I treat all teammates with respect


9. I have good leadership qualities
   
   


10. I have dignity when wearing my jersey


11. I show pride to be part of my team


12. I believe that academics are key


13. I study as hard as I possibly can


14. I think that grades should your top priority


15. I keep good grades


16. I love to write


17. I believe that studying should be a habit, and not something that you dread seldom doing


18. I have self-discipline


19. I am good with studying ahead of time


20. I am always prepared