When I was a little girl, I watched my dad coach my older sister in softball. I always wanted to go to practices, be with the team, and do whatever it took to be around the sport. When it came my time to begin there was no question I had a love for the game. This love has continued to grow ever since. This game has consistently brought me happiness and fulfillment throughout my life. Softball has not only provided me with an outlet, but has also given me motivation to work hard towards success in the classroom. I intend to further my academic success at the collegiate level, while also playing the game that I love.
A detail that has impacted my life, not only as an athlete, but as a person occurred during the pre-season months of my sophomore season. My high school program experienced a change in coaching staff. With this the program was challenged to adapt to new expectations, strategies, and goals. As a underclassman, I watched silently as the destructiveness of an "I before team" mentality unfolded. By the time the next season came around, I knew exactly the type of leader I wanted to be for my team. I took personal time to go to every optional practice and workout in order to better myself individually. This allowed me to devote team practice time to leading by example in order to create a cohesive environment between our players and the coaching staff. Through this I learned the importance of influential leadership, and a "Team before I" mentality. This led not only to personal achievements but to team success in building a foundation for the seasons to come. As a college student athlete I will bring this determination and dedication because I believe in the betterment of the team before myself.