I had an amazing time at the select 30 training camp. I got to work with many amazing college players and coaches who taught me many valuable things. I worked on my throws from the outfield and even made my swing even more powerful when I’m up at the plate. The competition was literally the best competition I’ve ever seen, we are all from different areas across the Nation! All of the girls that I got to play with on my team were in graduating classes 2023 to 2021. I got to face some amazing pitchers who threw about 68 mph. I had to make some adjustments while playing with the speed of the pitcher and playing with new girls who I didn’t really know. The overall experience I had was that it was such a great program I got to learn many things with the hitting, fielding and speed and strength training. I also really liked the Chalk talks that I had and how they taught us about our swings and broke them down, about how to interview and to get yourself out there and so much more. I would do the select 30 again because of the amazing time I had.

        The Select 30 camp was like nothing I have experienced before, but by far one of the best things I have ever done. I had such a good time and the coaches there made the experience even better. They pumped us up during our games, made jokes, and still taught us something. They would let you go out and play and wouldn’t say anything to us until we came back in the dugout. I really liked that part because it let me play more relaxed without having to worry about adjusting mechanics or being critiqued in the middle of an inning. The competition there was phenomenal and I’ve played with talent I’ve never seen before. Every single girl there could play at the D1 level, I saw the best of the best. Girls from all over the country were giving it their all, and even they taught me so much. They made me push myself and want to work harder than I ever have before. Going there definitely humbled me and told me that if I wanted to play at the D1 level, I’m going to have to push myself even more. Another thing I learned was probably one of the biggest takeaways from this camp. How much your mental side affects you. Going into this camp I thought I was going to be one of the best people there. So as soon as I found myself falling behind in something, I lost confidence in myself. However, that made my performance even worse and the whole first day I didn’t play like I wanted to and I didn’t look confident. The next day I realized that I might not be the best player there, but I’m going to try my hardest and have as much fun as possible. And you could tell because that little change in mindset improved my performance a lot, and I looked and felt more confident. I met so many new people and everybody was so chill and nice. I was so sad I had to leave but I’m glad I’ve learned so much and can now bring everything back to my team. Select 30 really opened my eyes to things I didn’t know I had to work on and let me get a glimpse of what the college level and atmosphere will be like.

         Playing in my first showcase was definitely an exciting moment in my softball career. I was 14 years old and we were a first year 16u team. During our practices we were getting prepared mentally and physically. Fast forward to when we first got there, I was so nervous. I felt as if everyone was watching and that I had to be perfect. Though, after the first few innings I had calmed down. I realized that I was still young and that I needed to just play the game I love. I hit the ball hard all weekend including a double to the fence and made great plays in the field. The fear was natural but after I overcame it the experience was great.

My experience coming to the Bombers last year was amazing. I was scared and nervous in the beginning not knowing anyone. Being one of the youngest players, I was a bit intimidated. But I knew I wanted to be a part of this team because they gave 100% in everything they did. I convinced myself to tryout even though I was scared. The girls on the team welcomed me and made me feel so comfortable, they were all so nice and helpful. The work ethic even during practice was amazing and I knew immediately this is what I was looking for. Everyone, even the coaches were so dedicated and hardworking. They stressed the importance of teamwork and not thinking about yourself but focus on the team, and stressed how that was the key on winning. Until this point in my softball experience I had not had a team that thought that way or was that hardworking. I knew right then this Bombers team was where I wanted to be. 

         Last season was my first official season as a Lady Bomber and I knew how much it meant to the girls to win a National Championship after how close they’ve come the last two or so years. So after joining the team I wanted to step into a role to be apart of that. I’ve had some bad nationals experiences before this team and winning and having fun was something that I was really looking forward to. In Maryland I had one of the best times of my life there with some of my best friends. I made so many memories and it is a time I won’t forget. I remember being in the outfield while Ry was pitching and there was a girl on first with one out, only being up 1-0 in the last inning with a runner on against a good team I knew is never the best situation to be in but I could feel it deep down this game was ours. I had chills in the outfield and I was freezing even though it was 100 degrees outside. Everything was just so still and silent I remember the cheers from the other team and then all the sudden the ball was in play. Everything happened so fast within the next 5 seconds we were national champions. The hard work had payed off especially after having our season cut short because of corona and having my fall season cut short after a knee injury. The hard work finally payed off and it felt so good. It was a time I will never forget and something so memorable that not everyone can say they did as a 14 year old.