Abbey Smith '21 Recruiting Profile

     I am always asked why I play softball. I use to say because I love softball. I love the challenge softball brings.  No two games are ever alike.  I enjoy the rush of sprinting to catch a softball in the outfield or making a diving catch.  I enjoy catching a fly ball and throwing out the runner trying to score at the plate.  These moments makes the hard work worthwhile.  I also enjoy the competing against other players. I love finding competitions where I can showcase my skills whether it is MLB Pitch, Hit, Run or USA Elite Select All Americans. I just want to compete.

      I began playing softball at age 4. I have since played softball, tennis, been in competitive gymnastics, played volleyball in school and run track but my heart is in softball. Softball is a team sports where everyone has to contribute.  Softball teaches you to play as a team.  To be successful in softball you need to support your team mates, communicate appropriately and put your team before yourself in all things.  I try to support my team at all times, even if we are losing.  We win as a team and lose as a team.  Mistakes happen but hopefully we learn from our mistakes. 

      Sports have taught me the importance of setting goals.  Goals are things you work toward and not something that comes quickly.  I set goals for myself in school and on the softball field.  I work hard in the classroom on keeping my grades high.  On the field I am constantly working on being faster and cleaning up my technique.  My fielding coach told me that you should set new goals every year but the goals should support the team. 

     I working to become the college player that wants to challenge the starter for her position but willing to support the team from the bench if that is where the coach decides I need to be.