The Giles family motto, “the two most important things are to be nice and hard working,” really hits home for me because those are the exact same values my family and I hold near and dear. I’ve always believed that talent can only get you so far, but being a good person and having a relentless work ethic is what actually defines your character. My advanced coursework and my financial journey have been the two biggest ways I’ve put those values to the test. Taking a heavy load of AP and Honors courses has been my way of proving how hard I’m willing to work. Maintaining a 4.8 weighted GPA while playing elite softball required a level of discipline that I’ve carried into every part of my life. My advanced classes taught me that being "hard working" means putting in the effort when you’re exhausted or when nobody is watching. There were times, like during my mother’s brain surgeries, where I had to study for honor-level finals in a hospital waiting room. I didn't quit because my family has always taught me that you finish what you start. These courses didn't just give me college credit; they gave me the mental toughness I’ll need for Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets. I also believe that being "nice" is just as important as being smart. In my advanced classes, I’ve seen how intense competition can be, but I always try to lead with kindness and inclusion. To me, being nice means using what you know to help others up. I applied this through my "Bats for Paws" camp. I noticed a "wedge" in my community where kids were being left behind because they couldn't afford expensive coaching. Because I value treating people right, I wanted to bridge that gap and give those girls a place to feel respected. For me, being a leader isn't about a title; it’s about having a heart for service and making sure everyone feels like they belong. While I have the work ethic, my financial circumstances have sometimes made the path to higher education feel like an uphill battle. Between the costs of elite softball and the heavy medical bills from my mother’s health scares, things have been tight. There were many times when private camps or extra training were out of reach because our family had to prioritize her recovery and our household. However, I agree with the Giles family that working hard is the answer to any obstacle. These challenges didn't stop me; they just gave me more grit and a reason to pursue a degree in Finance and Accounting. Ultimately, I plan to take these values with me as I train to become a military pilot. I want to be the kind of officer who is known for being the hardest worker in the room and the person who treats every fellow soldier with respect. By sticking to the belief that you should be nice and hard working, I know I can make a positive impact on the world, regardless of where I started.

My education is the foundation for everything I want to achieve. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a leader, but it was through my academic and athletic experiences that I realized leadership isn't just about being in charge, it’s about having the knowledge and the grit to solve problems when things get difficult. Maintaining a 4.8 weighted GPA while taking honors and AP classes has been more than just a way to get good grades; it has been a way to prove to myself that I can handle the pressure and the discipline required for my future. My ultimate goal is to attend Texas A&M, join the Corps of Cadets, and commission as a military pilot. I believe that my education is the "pre-season" for my life, giving me the tools I need to serve my country and eventually lead in the private sector. Education has given me a sense of direction by teaching me the "language" of logic and discipline. This is why I plan to major in Accounting or Finance. I have always liked the way numbers work; they are precise and honest. In a world that can be confusing, finance provides a clear way to measure success and manage resources. I believe that being a great pilot requires more than just knowing how to fly a plane; it requires an analytical mind that can handle complex data and make quick decisions under stress. By focusing on finance, I am preparing myself to understand the logistics of the military and the business world. Whether I am calculating flight paths or eventually managing a budget in the private sector, I want my education to be the anchor that keeps me organized and effective. However, my education hasn't just happened in a classroom. Some of my most important lessons came from the challenges I faced on the softball field and at home. Last summer, I faced a major setback when I tried out for the most elite national-level softball team in South Carolina. I worked my absolute best, only stopping for mandatory water breaks, and left my heart on that field. Even though the coach was impressed with my "tenacity," my new teammates didn't accept me. Because I was an outsider who earned a starting spot and the leadoff position, I was isolated. They left me out of team dinners and group chats, and I spent many days feeling like I was standing entirely alone. This experience was a different kind of education. It taught me how to put aside my personal feelings and work toward a common goal. I learned that you have to be strong enough to not crumble under peer pressure. My coach ended up calling me "Lion Heart" because I stayed focused on my stats and my performance instead of the drama. This lesson in grit is exactly what I will need as a cadet and a pilot. In the military, you don't always get to choose who you work with, but you do have to choose to be a professional. My education in resilience has taught me that the only person who can truly stop me is myself. Another major challenge that shaped my direction was my mother’s health battle last year. Hearing the words "brain tumor" and "my mother" in the same sentence felt like a corny Hallmark movie twist, but the reality was much scarier. While she was in the hospital for multiple surgeries, I had to grow up very quickly. I was juggling AP U.S. History projects and honor-level finals while taking over the chores and responsibilities at home that I used to just watch my parents do. It felt like the weight of the world was collapsing on me, but it actually taught me how deep I could dig. I learned that I could study anywhere, even in a hospital waiting room, and that success is often just about fighting past the burnout. This experience gave me a newfound respect for my parents and a clear understanding that life doesn't slow down for you; you just have to get tougher. I hope to use my education to create a better future by being a leader who leads through service. I’ve already started this journey with my "Bats for Paws" project. I noticed a "wedge" in my community where talented kids were being left behind because they couldn't afford expensive private coaching. Because I knew how it felt to be an outsider, I organized a free softball camp to help those girls build their confidence. I handled everything, from the marketing flyers to getting approval from my principal. Instead of charging money, I asked for supplies for our local animal shelter. This showed me that I can use my leadership and my "business" mindset to help two communities at once. In the future, I want to use my military training and my finance degree to create a culture of respect and inclusion wherever I go. I want to be the kind of officer who looks out for the person being left out, because I’ve been that person. I want to use my education to lead teams that are defined by their shared goals rather than cliques. Whether I am supporting fellow soldiers from the sky as a pilot or working in a corporate office, I will use the discipline, time management, and "Lion Heart" mentality I’ve built to make a positive impact. I’ve realized that my education isn't just a path to a career; it's a way to become the kind of person who can stand firm, lead with honor, and give back to the country that has given me so many opportunities.

I plan to make a positive impact on the world by being the kind of leader who doesn't just talk about what’s wrong, but actually fixes it with my own hands. My goal is to attend Texas A&M, join the Corps of Cadets, and eventually become a military pilot. Whether I’m flying air support or cargo, I want to be someone my fellow soldiers can trust. I’ve learned that the only way to truly make a difference is to work harder than everyone else and to make sure the people around you feel like they belong. My desire to help others comes from seeing gaps in my own community. I noticed a "wedge" where talented kids from families who couldn’t afford expensive coaching were being left behind. Because I grew up as a kid who often felt like an outsider, I knew how much it meant to finally feel respected on the field. This motivated me to start my "Bats for Paws" camp. I handled all the logistics, from the flyers to getting the school board’s okay. Instead of a fee, I had the girls bring supplies for our local animal shelter. This was a win-win because it helped the younger generation get better at softball and helped the animals, too. I want to continue this kind of service-first leadership in the military and in my future career. I’ve also learned that making an impact requires a lot of grit. Last year, my life felt like a "corny Hallmark movie twist" when my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Seeing her in the hospital with all the beeping monitors while I tried to juggle AP finals and household chores was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It taught me how deep I can dig and that sometimes success is just fighting past the burnout. I used that same grit when I was being bullied on my elite softball team. Even when I was isolated by my teammates, I stayed focused and became the lead-off batter. My coach ended up calling me "Lion Heart" because I wouldn't let anything stop me. In the future, I plan to use my degree in Accounting or Finance to make an impact in the private sector after I serve my country. I think these majors are a great way to understand how to lead organizations and make them better. I want to be a leader who brings people together instead of letting them stay in "cliques." By combining my experience in the military with my passion for helping my community, I hope to show people that life doesn’t get simpler, but you can choose to be the person who works through the pressure to make things better for everyone.

To address an issue I noticed in my hometown, I organized a volunteering event called the Spring Breakout Softball Camp, which I now refer to as "Bats for Paws." In my community, high-quality sports training is often locked behind expensive private coaching and elite travel ball fees. This creates a "wedge" where talented kids from families who can’t afford those costs get left behind. Having dealt with the stress of trying to fit into elite circles myself, I wanted to make sure every girl had a chance to build her confidence on the diamond without worrying about a price tag. I took the lead on the entire project, which was a huge learning curve for me. I had to handle all the logistics, from designing the marketing flyers and social media posts to getting the official thumbs up from my principal and athletic director. I also coordinated with the local recreation department to make sure we had the space and the reach to find the players who needed this most. I recruited my high school teammates to volunteer their time, ensuring that the younger girls were getting high-level instruction from players they looked up to. Instead of a traditional entry fee, I required participants to bring in supplies for our local animal shelter. This allowed me to give back to two communities at once: the younger athletes and the local animals in need. We ended up collecting a massive amount of donations, and the shelter even recognized our impact on their website. Running the camp on the day of the event was scary and exhausting but seeing the younger girls leave with new skills and the shelter leave with more supplies made every bit of the work worth it. Through this experience, I’ve learned that leadership through service is one of the most important values a person can have. To me, being a leader isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or having the best stats; it’s about using your position to make everyone around you better. If you see something that is unfair or a group that is being left out, you have a duty to fix it with your own hands. I believe that if you aren't ready to lead the "wave of change" yourself, you don't really have the right to complain about the problem. Service also changes the leader. When I was coaching those younger girls, I realized that teaching a skill actually makes you master it yourself. My teammates and I grew as athletes because we had to understand the "why" behind every swing and throw to explain it to a beginner. More importantly, it taught me how to put the needs of the team and the community above my own ego. Leadership through service builds a culture where the older generation is genuinely invested in the younger one. By removing barriers and focusing on helping others, we create a community that is stronger and more inclusive. I plan to take this "service-first" mindset with me to Texas A&M and into my future career as a military pilot.

My name is Briar Mros, and I am a student-athlete who believes that the true measure of a person is how they handle the moments when life gets difficult. Throughout high school, I have pushed myself to maintain a 4.8 weighted GPA while playing elite national-level softball. My goal is to attend Texas A&M, join the Corps of Cadets, and eventually serve my country as a military pilot. While I am proud of my awards, like being named All-State and All-Region Player of the Year, I am most proud of the grit I’ve developed along the way. One of the biggest turning points in my life happened in December of my junior year. My mother went into the hospital for a check-up regarding headaches, and it quickly turned into a week of multiple brain surgeries for a tumor. While she was in a room filled with beeping monitors and the sounds of recovery, I had to find a way to keep going. I juggled my AP U.S. History projects and honor-level finals while taking over all the chores and responsibilities at home. That week taught me that I could "dig deep" and study anywhere, and it gave me a newfound respect for the little things my parents do every day. It proved to me that I can stay focused and succeed even when it feels like the weight of the world is collapsing on me. I took that same mentality into my softball career. Last summer, I joined an elite team where I was treated like an outsider by my teammates because I was new and had earned a starting spot. Even though I was isolated and left out of group activities, I never let it affect my performance or my commitment to the team. I learned how to put aside my personal feelings and let my playing ability do the talking. This experience, along with my mother’s recovery, has shaped me into a leader who is ready for the academic and physical challenges of the military. Earning this scholarship will be a vital step in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a pilot. My ultimate dream is to support fellow soldiers from the sky, whether that means providing air support or flying cargo. However, I am also majoring in Accounting or Finance to ensure I have a strong analytical background. This scholarship will help ease the financial burden on my family, especially after the medical stress we’ve faced, allowing me to focus entirely on my rigorous training in the Corps of Cadets and my demanding course load. I have already taken proactive steps to give back to my community through my "Bats for Paws" project. I founded a softball camp for local youth who couldn’t afford private coaching, and instead of a fee, I collected supplies for our local animal shelter. By receiving this scholarship, I will be able to continue this legacy of service. I am not just looking for a degree; I am looking to become the best possible version of myself so that I can lead the wave of change and serve this country with everything I have.

My interest in aviation started from the ground up, watching planes fly over my home in Charleston. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that believed in service. I spent hours listening to my great-grandmother tell stories about serving in the Women’s Army Air Corp during WWII, and I have had many other family members serve in the military to keep our country free. But the biggest inspiration was seeing my cousin, Jacob Simmons, go from a difficult childhood to graduating from The Citadel and becoming a Marine pilot. Watching him find a reason to excel when he had every reason to quit made me realize that I wanted to follow in those same footsteps. Last year, I finally had a discovery flight, and that experience cemented everything for me. Seeing the world from a different viewpoint made me realize that God had a plan for me that was bigger than staying on the ground. My ultimate goal is to become a military pilot, providing air support or flying cargo for my fellow soldiers. I want to spend my career alongside the kind of people who value Duty, Honor, and Country as much as I do. I believe my current education and my time as an elite athlete have prepared me for the focus it takes to fly. Maintaining a 4.8 weighted GPA while playing national-level softball taught me how to handle high-pressure situations. I’ve learned that "softball is a reflection of life"—if you want to be great, you have to put in the hours when no one is watching. This was especially true last summer when I faced a lot of adversity on an elite team. I was isolated by my teammates and had to fight for every bit of playing time. It taught me that I have the grit to stand alone and perform my job perfectly, even when the environment is stressful. That kind of "Lion Heart" is exactly what a pilot needs in the cockpit. My commitment to excellence also extends to my community. I am heavily involved in giving back through my "Bats for Paws" initiative. I founded a Spring Breakout softball camp for local youth players who can’t afford expensive private coaching. Instead of charging money, I required participants to bring supplies for our local animal shelter. Handling the logistics for this camp—from marketing to getting school board approval—taught me how to be a leader and an organizer. It allowed me to support two things I love: the next generation of athletes and animal welfare. With my degree, I plan to commission into the military and devote myself to aviation. I want to be part of the elite group of people who lead change rather than just complaining about what is unfair. Whether I am navigating a plane or managing a team, I will use the discipline, time management, and resilience I’ve built to serve my country and my community. I’ve realized that the sky isn't the limit; it’s just the beginning of where I’m headed.

My softball career has been laced with adversity, but last summer I faced my biggest challenge yet. I wanted to pursue higher competition so I began trying out for national level teams. I went to several tryouts and outperformed current players only to be told I wasn't the right match. My last tryout came, it was for the biggest team yet, and for the most elite team in my home state of South Carolina! I decided that while I may not be the most physically talented, no girl was going to outwork or out-hustle me. I did my absolute best, only stopped for the mandatory water breaks, and left my heart on that field. Three days later when there had been no response from the coach, my heart sunk. I had made up my mind, I would be the first to reach out, thanking the coach for his time. He responded by voicing his worries over my age since I would only have one year of eligibility on his team. He expressed his appreciation of my hustle and was extremely impressed with my tenacity and even went so far as to say he wished half the girls on his team played with such a “lion’s heart.” I promised him no one would ever out work me, and that he would rather play with me than against me. That did it and he allowed me to join the team, however the first couple tournaments I did not touch the field. Finally, in the third tournament he allowed me to bat dead last in the line-up but that did not matter. By the end of the season I was the lead off batter, starting left fielder, and lead the team in OBP and runs. Sadly, the team itself did not accept me. I had won my coaches over by showing them my drive, while at the same time being isolated by my teammates. In their mind I was an outsider that skipped the line. My peers did not try to hide their disdain, whether it was not including me in team dinners, outfit choices, conversations, or camaraderie in general. But I continued, I never allowed this to affect my teamwork on the field. I learned how to put aside my feelings and work toward a common goal. At the end of the season, my coach admitted he often used me as an example, citing my practice and dedication lifting me from the bottom of the barrel to the top. This taught me how strong one has to be to stand alone, to not crumble to the pressure of peers, to fight for yourself, and how hard work pays off. Many days I wanted to quit as softball was full of stresses between the game, players, and coaches. I had to find my reason for playing again. That season taught me I have grit, and the only person that can stop you is yourself. Being a pilot requires a lot of mental toughness and the ability to stay calm and focused when things are stressful or when you are under pressure. My time on that team showed me that I can handle being in an environment where things are difficult and still perform at a high level. Just like I had to prove myself on the field, I am ready to push myself to my limits in the military to support my fellow soldiers from the sky. I plan to take my grit into the cockpit and serve my country with the same dedication that helped me lead my team from the front.

The issue I see in my community is the lack of good sports camps for our younger generation. In my area, if a kid wants to improve at softball, they usually have to pay for expensive private coaching or elite camps. This creates a gap where talented kids from families who can’t afford those fees are left behind due to lacking proper throwing or hitting motion. Growing up as a kid who often felt like an outsider and used sports to fit in, I knew how meaningful it was to finally feel respected on the field. I wanted to make sure every girl had that same chance to build confidence. This motivated me to start the Spring Breakout Softball Camp. I took the initiative to handle all the logistics myself, which was a big learning experience. I designed the marketing posters, spent weeks getting approval from my principal and athletic director, and coordinated with the local recreation department. I also recruited my high school teammates to volunteer so we could provide top-level coaching for free. What I didn't expect was how much the older players would benefit from this, too. Teaching others makes you see your own game differently; explaining the mechanics of a swing or a throw to beginners makes you notice small details you might not have thought about otherwise. My teammates and I grew as athletes because we had to master our own skills to be effective coaches. So far, the results have been incredible. We hosted a successful camp where younger players improved their skills and felt like they were part of a larger softball family. Instead of charging money, I asked participants to bring supplies for our local animal shelter. We collected a large donation, and I was even recognized on the shelter’s website for my impact. It was a win-win: I helped local youth and supported animal welfare at the same time. To expand these efforts, I want to establish a permanent charity called "Bats for Paws." I plan to keep this going and eventually expand into baseball with similar camps over the years. My goal is to foster a culture where older student-athletes are continuously involved in mentoring the younger generation. By removing financial barriers, I can ensure that a child’s potential in my community is never limited by their family's income.

My journey with my beagle, Jasmine, began at my grandfather’s house, and she has since become a living symbol of my growth and resilience. She was born from his rabbit hunting dog, Jenny, who was my absolute favorite dog growing up. I remember the day the litter was born; there were two distinct groups of pups. One half looked like the white and orange hunting hounds, while the other half featured the classic black and tan markings. I felt an immediate, magnetic pull toward one of the black and tan pups. I decided to name her Jasmine, specifically choosing a name that started with "J" as a tribute to her mother, Jenny, and my particular recent obsession with the Disney princess. In the beginning, I’ll be the first to admit that I spoiled her rotten. I was so obsessed with her that I carried her everywhere, to and from the house, across the yard, and even just around the kennel. It got to the point where she became so used to being "chauffeured" that she refused to walk out of the kennel for my grandparents; they eventually had to start carrying her just to get her moving! While this was funny at the time, having Jasmine gave me a new sense of drive. I found myself visiting my grandparents almost every single day, not just to play, but to take on the responsibility of her care. She was the first living thing I could truly claim as my own, and that ownership forced me to grow up quickly. The true impact Jasmine had on my life, however, came through a difficult lesson in maturity and the certainty of change. As time went on, Jenny, her mother, passed away from old age. It was the first time I had ever experienced the death of a pet that I truly loved, and the grief was heavy. However, having Jasmine by my side changed how I processed that loss. Because Jasmine was a literal piece of her mother, she helped me navigate the sadness. She was a constant, wagging reminder that while things in life inevitably end, they also leave behind a legacy that we have to carry forward. Jasmine helped me deal with the reality of moving on. She taught me that you can honor the past and cherish your memories without letting the "finish line" stop your progress. This lesson in resilience has directly influenced my mentality on the softball field and in my academics. When I face adversity, whether it’s a tough loss in a game or the stress of my mother’s health battles, I think about the cycle of life I learned through my dogs. You appreciate the time you have, you learn from those who came before you, and you keep pushing forward with a sense of purpose. Today, Jasmine is more than just a pet; she represents my transition from a kid who just wanted to "spoil" a puppy to a young woman who understands the weight of responsibility and the strength required to handle life’s transitions. She has enhanced my life by giving me a sense of companionship that is rooted in history and family. As I prepare to head to Texas A&M and eventually the military, I carry the lessons Jasmine taught me about loyalty and grit. She proved to me that the best way to honor those we’ve lost is to live with ambition and drive, making the most of every opportunity we are given.

My name is Briar Mros , and I am a student-athlete defined by a work ethic and a deep commitment to my community. Throughout high school, I have pushed myself to maintain a 4.8 weighted GPA while competing at the highest levels of softball, earning honors such as All-State and All-Region Player of the Year. However, my identity is not just found in my stats or my grades. It is found in the way I use my talents to bridge gaps and create a sense of belonging for others. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been part of a team. While these sports allowed me to travel the country, the most important lesson I learned was how it feels to be an outsider. I often felt like I had to work twice as hard to earn respect and "fit in." Once I achieved that respect, I realized I wanted to ensure younger girls didn't have to struggle with that same isolation. This led me to participate in the Beta Club and the National Honor Society, and eventually, to found the Spring Breakout Softball Camp. During spring break of my junior year, I organized a camp for local recreational players who lacked the resources for expensive private coaching. I handled everything from graphic design for posters to coordinating with the school board and athletic directors. My peers and I mentored these younger athletes, but instead of an entry fee, we requested supplies for our local animal shelter.Managing this while my mother was recovering from brain tumor surgeries taught me the true meaning of grit. It showed me that a community is only as strong as its most isolated member, and from this experience I have dedicated myself to making sure no one has to stand alone. Looking ahead, I am excited to attend Texas A&M University at College Station, where I will join the Corps of Cadets. My ultimate goal is to become a military pilot, serving my country with the same tenacity I brought to the softball field. If I were to start my own official charity, it would be called "The Lion Heart Exchange." Named after a nickname that I received on a particularly difficult team. The mission would be to provide elite-level athletic and academic mentorship to underprivileged youth, ensuring that a child’s potential is never limited by their family’s bank account. We would serve "at-risk" youth and recreational players who have the drive but lack the funding for specialized training. Volunteers in this charity would perform various high-impact services. Student-athlete volunteers would lead weekly skills clinics and "buddy" programs to build confidence in younger players. I’ve learned some of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had were teaching others. Academic volunteers would provide tutoring and college-prep assistance. Finally, just as I did with my spring camp, we would partner with local shelters and food banks, requiring participants to engage in "service-for-service" projects. This would teach the next generation that leadership isn't about being the best; it’s about using your talents to make everyone around you better. By fostering a culture where the older generation is genuinely invested in the younger one, we can build a community that truly cares for one another.

I have always been a driven student, but if you asked my father he would call me hard headed. This is reflected in my family tree; my great-grandmother left Louisiana as a young woman, leaving behind a college education at LSU to help in the war effort, and served in the Women’s Army Air Corp until the war ended. I was inspired by her bravery and tenacity, leaving all she knew for a chance to help the country she loved so dearly. I was very fortunate to grow up near her and spend countless hours listening to her amazing life which helped instill a love for God, Country and family. I have also been very fortunate to be surrounded by countless other family members that served our Country to help keep us free. Three of my great-grandfathers also served in WW II as well as having two uncles that served in more recent times. I was blessed to be surrounded by so many great people who were inspiring me to be great without me even realizing it. To be honest, I originally never aspired to go into the military as I always wanted to become a vet due to my love for animals. However, as someone that was born and raised in Charleston everyone knows you can look up at the sky at any given time and see a plane. While looking at one of these planes fly over one day, I realized that I was meant for something bigger, that God had a different plan for me. Planes have always amazed me and flying them seemed like an opportunity to experience life from a different view point. And as the saying goes, the sky is the limit; so I decided I would set my sights for a new career goal, being a pilot in the military. I was even fortunate enough to have a discovery flight last year which was unbelievable and only cemented my decision to become a pilot. My parents have also inspired me, as they are both nurses and have dedicated their lives to helping others. I’ve always been amazed at their ability to save lives on a daily basis, and although I could never work in the medical field, I believe I have a similar desire to make people's lives better. This is why I have an overwhelming desire to go to Texas A&M and join the Corps so I can help keep this country safe while being part of something bigger than me. I know that the military will be one of the most challenging things I will ever do, but I also know that it will be one of the most fulfilling. I was able to attend the Summer Leadership Experience (West Point Summer Program) this June which made me realize that my desire to join the military and be surrounded by like-minded fellow leaders is where I was destined to be, and is the only place I see myself attending next Fall.

Kindness is often tested most when you are treated as less than. Last summer, I joined an elite national-level softball team where I wasn't exactly welcomed. I was a new player who had earned a target on my back, many of my teammates isolated me, excluding me from dinners and team traditions. Many days I wondered why I chose to join the team no matter how prestigious, but I chose to lead with what my coach later called a "Lion Heart." Instead of focusing on the negatives from the majority, I looked for the few girls who also seemed to be standing on the fringes. I made an active effort to offer them the support I wasn't receiving. Whether it was staying after practice to help a teammate with extra reps or being the loudest person cheering for them from the dugout, I focused on being a source of genuine encouragement. Slowly, a small group of us began to band together. We created our own support, rooted in mutual respect rather than seniority or financial superiority. This moment was important because it taught me that you don't need the approval of the whole crowd to create a meaningful impact. By offering kindness to those few players, I helped create a safe space where we could all succeed despite the tension around us. We finished the season leading the team in stats, proving that a small, dedicated bond is often more powerful than a large, divided one. It showed me that true leadership is about lifting others up, especially when you’re the one being looked down upon. And miserable people thrive on making others just as unhappy. In my life, I have used sports to help myself feel like I belong. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been part of a team; from local recreation t-ball to elite travel softball. Looking back, I realize that almost all my closest friendships stem from the field. However, that sense of belonging wasn’t always there. Growing up I often felt like an outsider, so I poured everything into the game, believing that if I earned respect through my work ethic, I would finally have a place where I fit in. After many years and many hours my abilities were respected by most, but then I realized I wanted to use my platform to ensure other girls didn't have to work as hard just to feel included. This led me to found the Spring Breakout Softball Camp. I noticed a gap in our community: many talented younger players lacked the resources for expensive private coaching, which often left them feeling isolated or "behind." I organized this camp to be a bridge, providing high-quality mentorship regardless of a family's financial standing. By recruiting my high school peers to volunteer, we created a space where the "older kids" were genuinely invested in the "younger kids." We didn't just drill skills; we fostered a culture where every girl was welcomed into the softball family from day one. To further this connection, I replaced the entry fee with donations for our local animal shelter. Even while balancing a 4.8 GPA and my mother’s recovery from brain surgery, I remained committed to this project. I’ve learned that a community is only as strong as its most isolated member, and I am dedicated to making sure no one in mine has to stand alone.

My softball career has been defined by adversity, but last summer brought my greatest challenge. Aiming for national-level competition, I attended several tryouts for elite teams. Despite outperforming current players, I was repeatedly told I wasn’t the "right match." For my final tryout with the most elite team in South Carolina, I went in with one mindset: I might not be the most naturally talented, but no one would outwork me. I left everything on that field. When three days passed without a word, I took the initiative to reach out to the coach. He admitted he was hesitant because I only had one year of eligibility left, but he was struck by my tenacity. He told me he wished his other players had my “lion’s heart.” I promised him he would rather have me on his team than have to play against me. He gave me a chance, but I had to earn every inch. I spent the first two tournaments on the bench. By the third, I was batting last in the lineup. However, by the end of the season, my production was undeniable; I earned the starting left-field spot, became the leadoff batter, and led the team in on-base percentage and runs. The hardest part wasn't the game, but the social cost. My teammates viewed me as an outsider who "skipped the line" and isolated me from team dinners and conversations. It was lonely, but I refused to let my personal feelings affect my performance or my commitment to our common goals. At our final meeting, my coach shared that he used me as a constant example of how dedication can lift a player from the bottom to the top. This experience taught me the strength required to stand alone and the grit needed to ignore peer pressure. I learned that while the game and the people can be stressful, the only person who can truly stop me is myself.

Good leadership is not about barking orders at those below you, it’s allowing your actions to lead by example. Through my experiences of being a student-athlete, a volunteer, I have learned that real leadership is about working and learning from the people around me. Whether I am playing softball, in class, or helping my community I try to set an example and make sure the people around me feel supported and motivated to do their best. One time that really stands out to me was when I was playing softball. We were having a time and our pitchers were having trouble throwing strikes. Our coach said that for every walk we would have to run after practice. Even though I was not the one pitching, I decided to run with my teammates. As a catcher, I am part of every play so if they falter so do I. By running with them I showed them that I was on their side. This changed the way our team worked together. My teammates saw that I was not someone who skimped out on them but someone who would stay in the grind with them. This helped us get through the rest of the season. It showed me that a leader is someone who works with their team, not just tells them what to do. I used this idea when I was doing community service. I noticed that there were no affordable sports programs for younger kids so I started a softball camp during spring break. This was hard for me because I had to do a lot of things I had never done before like making posters and talking to school officials to get us a place to practice. I got some of my friends from school to help me coach the kids. As I was attempting to make this affordable I changed up the usual charging them money we asked them to bring supplies for the local animal shelter. This project was not about softball it was about teaching kids that they can use their skills to help others. It was hard to do this while my mom was recovering from a brain tumor. It taught me a lot about perseverance. It showed me that to be great you have to show up and work hard even when things are tough and you're tired and life's not fair. In the future, I plan to keep being a leader when I join the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. My goal is to one day be a military pilot, which requires a lot of work and leadership. I do not just want to fly planes, I want to be a leader who understands that my success depends on the people I work with. To me being a leader means being with the people you are leading. I plan to use the lessons I have learned about working and helping others to serve my country and make sure that the people who come after me have a good path to follow.

Service has always been a big part of my life, carried forward through my involvement in the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. These organizations taught me the profound importance of caring for others and offering support. Yet, I felt a calling to create something of my own, something that intertwined my passions. This led me to start the Spring Breakout Softball Camp, a project that helped me connect my love for athletics with my love for animals. The idea was simple: during spring break, I wanted to offer a safe, encouraging space for local recreational players to develop their skills. I also wanted to foster a spirit of giving, so instead of an entry fee, we asked every participant to bring supplies for our local animal shelter. Organizing this was a challenging journey that extended beyond the softball field. I had to learn how to market the camp and design posters, spending weeks communicating with my coaches, the athletic director, the recreational department director, and my principal to get the necessary approvals. Leading a group of my high school peers, we hosted a two-hour camp dedicated to teaching and encouraging younger players. Seeing their faces light up with newfound confidence was truly rewarding. But the most meaningful moment came after the camp, when I personally delivered the donated supplies to the animal shelter. Being recognized on their website as a donor under 18 was an honor, not for the recognition itself, but because it showed me that even small acts of kindness can create a real difference. Despite the demands of maintaining a 4.8 weighted GPA and earning honors like All-State and All-Region Player of the Year, these accomplishments feel most rewarding when they enable me to lift others. My experience with my softball camp inspired me to envision ways I can help my community thrive for generations to come. I believe that everyone deserves access to mentorship and support. Many talented kids in our community lack the resources for expensive private coaching or advanced camps. I want to create a lasting "Spring Breakout Camp” so that kids are given the chance to improve no matter their financial standing. By fostering a culture where older kids are genuinely invested in the growth of the younger ones, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community. I want to ensure that a child's potential isn't limited by their family's resources. If we can transform our skills into acts of service, we’re not only nurturing better athletes and students, but also cultivating a community that truly cares for one another.