Rachel Pike '15 Recruiting Profile

"Show me a guy who's afraid to look bad, and I'll show you a guy you can beat every time." - Lou Brock

      Unlike that guy, I'm not afraid to look like a fool. I believe mistakes will just make me stronger and better. I started softball in California when I was 10.  In California, you start when you are 5. Everyone thought I'd mess up, fall down, and eventually quit; and I did (the first two things, anyway).   Though I started what was considered late in softball,  I've become better, stronger and more determined. Good enough and tough enough to make an 18u travel team at the age of 14 and captain of my high school JV team in a program that has won a state title in just 3 years of being started. There have been so many influences in my softball career, but there was one coach that gave me the courage to never give up and the confidence to defy those who said I started too late. Coach Dale introduced me to travel ball when I was just 11, and I continue to look for his advice even now. I plan to take his guidance and influence with me wherever I may play. And now, the girl who started too late, is called "the natural athlete" and "the girl with the big stick".  Even with all the encouragement and criticism, I have become mentally strong, and even better than I could have thought when I started this amazing sport - but there is always room for improvement. I'd like to be able to improve myself both athletically and academically under your program, and further make Coach Dale, and everyone else who has believed in me, proud.