Sara Kozel '24 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing softball since seventh grade. I fell in love with the sport after my mom's car accident. Softball was an outlet for me while I was coping. Ever since I started playing, I have wanted to compete at a higher and collegiate level. This opportunity would change the life of not only myself but my parents too. 

I play strong defense at multiple positions on the field. I can play small ball, I can lay down bunts, and run through ground balls. In addition, I can hit the ball and have power when I do so. I have an IQ for the game of softball while running bases. I am quick and athletic while running the bases making me able to steal and secure bases when it is crucial. I lead while on the field, communicating with my teammates. I strive to play hard for myself and for my teammates. I will hold myself up to a standard to be one of the hardest-working recruits.

I participate in travel softball, currently playing for Phantom FP 16u, and participating in 18u tournaments. I have played high school softball at the varsity level for two years. In my freshman year, I played on the JV team and was pulled up to varsity to base run for the varsity catcher. Additionally, I meet with my high school coach for hitting practice and weightlifting in my free time. 

I have been a multi-sport athlete for all of middle school and high school. I did gymnastics for years growing up which has had the largest impact on my athleticism. Currently, I'm on the varsity diving team, varsity basketball team, and varsity softball team. I have qualified for the MHSAA State Finals for the past three years in diving. Competing in all of these sports while attending school full-time, taking advanced classes, and keeping a personal life outside of this has been challenging but has taught me skills that will be useful in any career. I have learned hard work, time management, and how to handle stress. This perspective of being a student-athlete is one that sets me apart from other athletes. 

I work just as hard in the classroom as I do on the field. I maintain a 4.241 GPA (weighted) while participating in sports year-round. I have enrolled in AP and honors courses all three of my past years in high school. I will be taking four AP classes in my senior year. I have been a member of the National Honor Society for a year. While being a member of NHS I have gotten at least 10 service hours per quarter of school. I am also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. These opportunities have helped me see the world from a new perspective by helping serve in our community. 

Many aspects contribute to where I see myself fitting in at a university. I need to be able to push myself in the classroom and on the softball field. I am grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me throughout high school and my travel softball career. I am open to any chance to play college softball that is presented to me. I will work hard to be the best athlete and the best student I can be at the college or university I attend.