My journey in the sport of softball has been anything but ordinary. Growing up, I didn’t dream of being a softball player. I was a cheerleader who got invited to play on a travel softball team as a guest player, and that’s where it all began. The more time I spent playing, the more I loved it, and I knew I wanted to take the game seriously and become the best player I could be.
I worked hard and was blessed to earn a scholarship to play at Seton Hall University. I loved my experience there, but I never felt like I truly reached my potential. So, I made the decision to enter the transfer portal and pursue an opportunity with a different program. It was a tough decision, but I had the full support of my coaches at Seton Hall, which I was extremely grateful for.
With the help of my community, I was able to make an informed decision about my future, and I ultimately decided to join the University of Maryland. It’s been an incredible experience so far, and I feel like I’ve found a place where I’m wanted and can be my best self. I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I encourage all athletes to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams.
If you’re unhappy or feel like you aren’t reaching your potential, there is a place for you that will make you feel fulfilled and valued.
The Recruitment Process
Back in eighth grade, the recruiting process looked a little different than it does now. Even at that age, colleges were already showing interest in me, which felt surreal because I was just a kid. I’m 22 now and still figuring things out, so looking back, it’s wild to think how early those conversations started. In high school, I had a few coaches reach out, and one of them is actually my current head coach at Maryland. I gave their programs a look, but ultimately chose Seton Hall. Their sports media program caught my attention, and staying relatively close to home felt like the right fit. My years there were meaningful, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Over time, I realized I wasn’t being pushed to my full potential, and I knew I needed a new challenge.
Entering The Transfer Portal
It took me a while to come to that decision, and it wasn’t an easy one to make. I was a senior, and I still had credits to finish and my degree to complete, so I had to think about what was best for me academically as well. I was lucky to have the support of staff members at Seton Hall, who supported me to explore my options and find a place where I could be happy and grow as an athlete. When I entered the transfer portal, I was a little lost, to be honest. I didn’t know what to expect or where to go from there. I’m thankful I had the guidance of my friends, family, and team at Athletes.org, who helped me navigate the process and make an informed decision. Through the transfer portal, I was able to reconnect with a familiar coach from my high school recruiting days, and I ended up taking a visit to the University of Maryland. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew it was the right fit for me. It felt like home, and I felt wanted and valued as a player, and as a person. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Maryland softball program, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.
The Importance of Making Informed Decisions
If there’s one piece of advice I can give to athletes, it’s to make informed decisions. Whether it’s choosing a college, entering the transfer portal, or deciding to continue playing a sport, it’s essential to gather all the information and consider all the factors before making a decision. For me, it wasn’t just about finding a school with a good softball program; it was about finding a place where I could be happy and thrive both on and off the field. I also had to think about my injuries and how they would be managed and treated at different schools. At Maryland, I’ve been really impressed with how they prioritize our health and well-being. We have a great strength and conditioning staff, as well as athletic trainers who are always there to support us and help us stay healthy. It’s made a massive difference for me, and I feel like I’ve been able to reach new levels of the game since I’ve been here and have improved overall as an athlete.
For The Love Of The Game
I think one of the most important things for athletes to remember is to have fun and enjoy the sport they’re playing. Softball is a demanding sport; it’s physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. However, if you genuinely love it and have fun every day, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. I’ve been playing softball for a long time now, and I can honestly say that I still love it just as much as I did when I first started. It’s not always easy, and there are definitely days when I’m tired and sore, but I wake up every day feeling grateful for the opportunity to play the sport I love. I know not everyone feels that way, and that’s okay. If you’re in a place where you feel like you’re not being served or valued, it’s okay to explore other options and find a place where you can be happy. There’s a place for everyone, and it’s important to find a school and a program that feels like home. I’m so grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from my coaches, teammates, and Athletes.org throughout my journey. They’ve helped me make informed decisions and find a place where I can be my best self. And I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my teammates and I at Maryland.
