Olivia Barkeim '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Olivia Barkeim, currently, I am a Senior at Lewiston-Altura High School in Minnesota. I have played softball since 4th grade and play second, outfield, and designated hitter. Starting out playing I didn’t really think about playing in college based on how far away it was year-wise. A while later I realized how much I loved softball and the competition.  I then knew I wanted to play later on at a higher level; this was a new long-term goal I set for myself. 

Instead of focusing on others and comparing myself, I focus on what I could do to make myself better and grow athletically as a person. Last season during the summer and fall, multiple coaches of mine had commented on how much I had progressed and recognized how much hard work I had put in to get better as a player and as a person. I am determined and always want to learn more about the game and continue growing skill-wise. When I make mistakes either offensively or defensively, I shake them off, not letting them affect me during the game, then focus on what’s ahead of me. If I don’t know something or want input on an action I could have done better, I ask my coaches then work on it in my free time and at practice. 

I have maintained all A’s throughout all of high school, participate in softball most of the year, I'm a member in 4-H, am a Big Sister with my school’s Big Brother-Big Sisters program, and will be applying for the National Honor Society. So far for college majors I am interested in multiple, but a few are Criminal Justice, Construction Management, and Gastronomy. 

It really is a dream of mine to be able to play softball in college and be successful with that and the career I choose to pursue. I hope you look further into my profile and appreciate your reading and time!