Arleigh Richard '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello all, my name is Arleigh Richard. I am sixteen years old in the midst of my sophomore year at Bellows Free Academy. Located in St. Albans Vermont, my school has a dedicated legacy to high school athletics. Many athletes and alumni proudly wear the saying Tradition Never Graduates on their school merchandise. Being a part of such a tight-knit community and athletics department, I have shaped myself into a hardworking, reliable, outgoing student-athlete. Coming from a large family, I always felt obligated to compete in physical events to prove myself to my rowdy cousins. From a young age, I had a deep-rooted passion for sports. My competitive spirit introduced me to athletics. I started playing softball around seven years of age and continued competing throughout my high school career. I recall always being compared to my peers as a young girl, especially in sports competitions. So, when presented with a challenge, I  felt the determination to be the best. Frustration was no stranger if I did not succeed, but I didn't understand what succeeding truly meant. When I joined my first travel softball team, I was under the impression that it was every girl for herself. I didn't understand the importance of unity. That year, my family had gained fifteen members, all of which I called my teammates. From there, I learned that success does not come with a trophy or a state title, rather it comes from the trust you allowed others while trying your hardest. Acquiring a higher understanding of the game, I learned that softball is much more than a sport or a hobby. I found the desire to influence others in the sport that taught me the importance of love and life. The excitement I felt when making a good play or getting on base was enough adrenaline to inspire me to mentor others, especially those who look up to me. With further explanation, softball pushed me to excel in academics and be involved in active learning. Softball made me love my education and be grateful for the academic opportunities I am privileged to have. For nearly a decade of my life, I indulged myself in team sports, taking on leadership roles. I have come to know that positivity, reinforcement, and believing to achieve, are all that's needed to succeed. I think of myself as a naturally talented player, but hard work is what proved to me that I want to compete at the collegiate level. I aspire to one day become an influential collegiate softball player. I'm highly driven by the verse “Be Anxious for Nothing” (Philippians 4:6 7), which is honorably engraved on my grandfather's gravestone. My true philosophy is to be anxious for absolutely nothing, that everything's meant to happen and wherever my path digs its way north or south, west or east, I will be fulfilled by my impact on the world.