Shay Sommer '19 Recruiting Profile

My college goals and aspirations are still unclear to me, mostly due to the fact that I am finding out new things about myself everyday. One thing I can definitely say though is that I've always been a dedicated person on the field and in the classroom where I have an 88.5 cumuilative gpa.

I started doing gymnastics when I was four and little did I know it would play such an important role in my softball career. It was 9 years later when I would play for my first organized softball team.  Because I was athletic and strong (thank you gymnastics) the team stuck me everywhere, outfield, infield and eventually catcher, where I had no experience. We lost every game, but I decided that I loved the sport enough to try and play at a higher level. I tried out and made the Amherst Avalanche, where I play currently.  I batted at the bottom and made stupid errors because of sheer nerves, but the coaches took time to teach me certain mechanics and within one year, at our second tournament of the season, I hit not one, but two home runs out of the park and not one error!  My confidence has grown and I can, for the first time, see myself on a college team.

Why do I think I'm a good candidate for a team? Because I know I'm not done becoming the player I want to be.  I will learn with enthusiasm, always be a team player,  keep a positive attitude and work hard everyday.  The team will always get my best effort and I will hold myself with integrity while representing our school with pride. 

Through the good times and the struggles, my teammates have become my best friends and sisters....with the opportunity to create memories, earn a college degree and win championships is beyond exciting!