Kelani Priest '19 Recruiting Profile

My name is Kelani, which means heavenly, however when I step on the diamond I am anything but!  I have played this great sport since age six and realized very early that it would be a very important part of my life.  My parents have raised me to be strong both physically and mentally. When the game is on the line, I want the ball, either pitching or hitting.  I seem to thrive under pressure, I look forward to it, and am confident, when the time comes, I will succeed.  This strength and belief seems to set me apart from many of those I have played with or against.  

My sophomore season turned out to be my most challenging season in this sport.  However, going through the experience allowed me to grow and realize my true passion for softball and it further embedded my drive to succeed.  As a family, we made the decision to move which placed me into a different high school in the same county.  Unfortunately, my previous high school contested my eligibility to play and I was forced to sit out my sophomore season.  This event allowed me to focus on my academics and allowed me to realize that my softball achievements didn't define me. Instead I was able to realize it was my own personality, character, and fortitude that defines who I am.   When I look at myself, I see my internal drive for obtaining my goals, my ability to be a leader, my desire to be a good friend, a teammate, to have fun, laugh at myself and with others, and still remain focused on my academics as a student athlete. It is at this point that I realize, these are all the attributes that truly set me apart.  These are the things that make me who I am.  In an effort to achieve my goals,  I have committed myself mentally and physically to these words, "Work and Train hard enough, so that one day,  your Signature will become an Autograph!"

-KK #19