Noelle McCullough '16 Recruiting Profile

The first time I ever watched the Women's College World Series was at age 10. The first thing that came out of my mouth was "A ball can rise?" Now I know that yes, it can, it will, and it is extremely effective. At the time I was just playing recreational ball for fun, and we won more than we lost, which was even better. But watching that game, I decided right then and there that I wanted to be playing like those girls on TV. At such a young age, I didn't know about the world of recruiting, that travel teams existed, or that fast-balls actually hurt when they hit you. I just practiced to get better, played to have fun, and loved it every step of the way.

I have never lost any of my passion to play. It is a vital part of my existence, if I could never play it again, I have no idea what I would do with my time. I have been playing some sort of ball since age 4, starting with tee-ball. I remember being the only girl on the team and the one who ran the bases backwards her first time around. I obviously got that straightened out, and moved on to play rec-ball, where I have made some really good friends. My teammates are family, and we may have some disagreements. Playing softball has taught me one thing above all else: that yelling and fighting solves nothing, and that you must play for a cause; leave your outside lives off of the field.

My main positions are catcher, utility and DP, but I can play any position that a coach needs me to, except pitcher. I hit for power; I commonly rotate between third and sixth in lineups, but I can bunt when needed and I am in the process of learning how to slap and hit left-handed for power. I love leading people, and being a catcher gives me the best way to “be in charge” without pushing buttons. I love being able to see the entire field, and being vocal and loud is what I do best. I will do anything to make my team better, even if it means sitting the bench for a little while, but I will support them no matter what and will jump at any chance to play. I will do whatever it takes to help my team win.