Sydney Ruggles '18 Recruiting Profile

   Softball has been a big part of my life since I was about 5. I’ve played T-ball, in-house softball and now travel softball. I have played travel softball for about 4 years with the Fox Valley Renegades, and I love it! Softball is a game of determination, dedication and having fun. It isn’t all about winning and I’ve learned that over the last couple of years. Being able to spend 12 hour days with some of my closest friends and playing my favorite sport is why I love softball as much as I do. My dedication to the game has increased over the years and continues to grow. I understand no one person can be perfect, but striving for perfection is my goal. My primary position is pitcher and it’s my favorite position to play. I practice about three times a week and also go to pitching lessons once a week. My secondary position is short-stop. Playing short-stop is so much fun, there is a lot of action and I love being able to dive and make great plays. I consider myself a strong contact hitter. On my travel team I usually hit 3rd and normally get on base. I try not to swing for power, but make consistent contact and get on base. If I don’t get on base I do my best to shake it off and work harder the next time I’m up.
   In addition to playing softball, I also attend Dundee-Crown High School. My first semester this year went very well. I received the grades I was hoping for, which were all A’s and one B. I work hard in all of my classes and also pay very close attention to instruction. At Dundee-Crown I am a member of the band and play volleyball as a secondary sport. Playing volleyball was a great way of staying active and in shape. As of right now I am looking to study Criminal Justice and eventually I would like to become a Police Officer/Detective. I am just as focused in school as I am in softball. Getting good grades in school is very important to me, which is why I work so hard.
   My family is important to me as well. I live with my parents and my sister, who is currently in college. I am very close to everyone in my family. My dad is my travel softball coach and my mom is always on the sidelines as my number one fan. Both of my parents are supportive and proud of the improvements I’ve made over the years. They push me to become a better softball player and a better individual. I wouldn’t be the person I am now without my family.
   Softball, school, and family are the most import things in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t have each of these things. I am a hard-working and determined student-athlete looking to continue my academic and softball career at in the most competitive environment I can.