Megan Otsuka '18 Recruiting Profile

I could have never predicted the long-term impact that softball would have on my life when my dad bought me my first glove at age eight. Since then, softball has been more than just a sport to me; each team is a family, each conflict is a new learning opportunity and everything that happens gives me a new experience to take into my future.

When I was little, softball was just another of the many sports I played with my friends. Soccer in the Summer, Volleyball in the Winter and Softball in the Spring.  It was pretty clear early that I was an athlete and I have always loved being on the field.  As I got older there were more demands on my time and choices had to be made.  I still play soccer and volleyball for fun, but when it came time to choose the priority, I knew it had to be softball.

Like everyone, I’ve gone through slumps and streaks, different coaches, and many other challenges on and off the field.  Every player has to learn to manage their challenges and take advantage of their opportunities, but that’s why we love the game. Working through challenges and having softball as an outlet has taught me some of the most important traits necessary to be successful in life; teamwork, perseverance, leadership, dedication, and drive and I have been able to bring these tools from the field to every aspect of my life.  I’ve always been a social, confident person. This has caused me to become a person who won’t sit back and watch things happen. I take charge of my life.  Playing softball has allowed me to develop these traits and help the team as well as myself.

The Summer before my freshman year, one of my previous coaches called me and told me his 18Gold team needed a catcher. I went to one of their practices and I felt as though I didn't fit. I was only 14 and everyone there was so much bigger, stronger, and faster than I was. Over the next couple days, the head coach saw something in me that I wasn’t sure I saw in myself and asked me to join the team. Joining this team was the biggest decision in my softball career.  I was the youngest one there and had the most growing to do. Over time, I made the team my home. With hard work, I gained the respect of my teammates, a starting position and a leadership role on the team.

School has always been another focusing and consuming factor in my life. The word ‘student’ in student-athlete comes first for a reason when I describe myself.   After being inside countless hours studying or doing homework, softball has always provided a welcome break.   However, through this, I’ve been able to learn what takes priority in my life and learned to manage my time properly so no aspect of my life slacks.  I am never happier or more successful than when I am busy.