Kelsey Waters '13 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Kelsey Waters and I am just finishing my junior year at Keystone Heights High School in Florida. It has been an interesting one. After a visit to the doctor to treat what Mom thought was strep throat, it was discovered that not only did I have an infection, but my thyroid was enlarged. Immediate blood tests were done and a sonogram scheduled for a couple days later. Those results showed a nodule on my thyroid. I was to be referred to an endocrinologist. After several weeks of waiting for the appointment on September 16, 2011 , another sonogram confirmed there was indeed a nodule on one side of my thyroid and discovered a second as well. A needle biopsy followed. After encouraging words from the doctor such as, "It doesn't look like anything." my family and I waited some more.; Then on September 21, 2011, we get a call to come back to the doctor's office to go over the biopsy results. I was told the three words you never want to hear. "You have cancer." Things moved quickly after that with surgery on October 7, 2011, a radioactive iodine treatment, too many blood tests to count, and beginning medicine for the rest of my life.I had no idea when I would be back on the softball field, but I thought to myself, at least I had gone out with a bang at the end of my summer season. In those last two tournaments, Rising Stars and Tanel Bluechip, I hit 8 homeruns including one grand slam. I am just about full strength, still regulating my medicine, and counting my blessings, I am determined to get right back to where I left off. I was promoted to varsity at the end of my eighth grade year and have been a strong asset to my team ever since. During my eighth grade year on varsity I lead the team with batting averages throughout the playoffs (elite eight) and have done so every year. During my ninth grade season I was named the Gainesville Sun Player of the Week. I also had four out-of-the-park home runs with one in-the-park grand slam. I was named KHHS offensive player of the year and earned Max Prep All State 2nd Team honors. We placed 3rd in the Kissimmee Klassic White Division that year. In tenth grade our team went down to play in the Kissimmee Klassic tournament again where we came in first place in the Gold Division. I was named the overall MVP for the Gold Division, receiving a $500 scholarship. That year I had two homers and again took KHHS offensive player of the year honors. This year on varsity we made it all the way to the Final Four in the state championship tournament. Again, I led our team in batting averages with a .549, 5 homers, 9 triples, and 4 doubles. I am a leader by both vocal encouragement and by example. I always push myself and my teammates to be the best that they can be. At the end you can tell them, 'you just got that much better.' This is my philosophy and I want to be able to bring strength and encouragement to my teamates through premier leadership. I hope to be able to bring my philosophy and my own personal skills to a school that fits me. I am looking for a school that has my educational needs, because for me that is the most important thing. The majors that I am most interested in are Communications, Agricultural Communications and the Medical field (Sonography or Nursing).I would like to go to a school in the Southeast region, preferrably a Christian school, but I am open to all schools. My wish is to go to a school that can use me and one that God says is right for me. I am a fast learner and am an excellent listener. Whether a school is big or small, a junior college or division 1, when I enter onto a team I will bring all that I have. At the end of the day, I don't want anyone else to have outworked me. I will bring strong leadership, a drive for the sport of softball and my own personal set of playing skills. I will do all that I can to improve the team and myself. Thank you.