Halyn Cawthorne '22 Recruiting Profile

Halyn's Youtube Channel can be viewed here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF6TjwAaua9pol_mqvfsDTA

    At the age of eight I made a life changing decision to play softball, and since then I have become passionate about the game. After one season of rec ball, I knew immediately that I wanted to be challenged and asked if I could play travel ball. With the support of my family, we began the journey that has taught me valuable lessons regarding hard work, a positive mindset, and teamwork. 

    During my first few years of playing, I learned that since I was not naturally as athletic as some of my teammates, I would have to work harder and push myself to become an athlete who could compete at a highly competitive level. In addition to working with my team, I incorporated additional hours of working on drills with my dad and taking private lessons. Since I wanted to be a pitcher, I have also worked for the last six and a half years with my pitching coach. This additional time allows me to continually improve and be an asset for my team on the mound, at the plate, or in the field. Playing softball has taught me that even when I feel at the top of my game, there is always something to improve. 

    Through hard work, I have gained confidence in myself, and I have learned that a positive mindset can be just as important, if not more important, than my physical abilities. One of my favorite aspects of the game is the battle between the pitcher and the hitter. When pitching, my job is to get the batter to hit the pitch that I want them to. On the other hand, when I am in the box, I am counting on the numerous reps off the tee and in the cages to help me hit the ball where I need to. This aspect of the game has taught me that no matter what side I am on, how I react makes all the difference, and win or lose, my confidence cannot waiver.

    Most importantly, softball has taught me the value of teamwork. As a pitcher, I work hard for my team, but I also know that I can count on them. We push each other, we trust each other, we support each other, and win or lose, we do it together.  One of my fondest memories is when, as a 14U team playing in a 16U tournament, we fought to make it into the championship. In that final game, we were down 10-1 in the second inning. Slowly we started to come back. At the top of the third I was asked to pitch. Although my pitching hand was injured in the previous game, I did my best on the mound. We then lost another player to a serious injury which meant we would be taking an out each time she was up. Instead of quitting, we rallied together to come back to win 15-12!  There is no way we could have done that without the strength of our teamwork. 

    The lessons I have learned have not only helped me in sports but also in the classroom. While softball is my passion, I have always been taught that academics come first.  Having a strong work ethic, a positive mindset, and the ability to work with others, has helped me to be successful academically. Therefore, I am looking for a school where I can pursue my passion for softball but also has a reputation for academic excellence which will challenge me in the classroom, prepare me for life after college, and become a place I can call “home.” My travel coach once told me, “Strive for perfection and excellence will come.” I have tried to apply this idea to all areas in my life.