I have been fortunate enough to have played several times on the same field as Bre Hoy at Wisconsin Lutheran College. My high school team spent two consecutive playoff games at WLC last season, both high stakes and games where you can really feel the pressure of the season. During those games, I experienced feelings of anticipation and anxiety, heartbreak and hard work, and ultimately love and triumph. The moments I have shared with my teammates and coaches on that field, and countless others, will transcend my lifetime, and I know not to take each step over that white foul-line for granted. Each year, the team spends countless days and hours working hard towards one goal: the State Tournament. However, when looking back on my time in varsity softball, I know that I will only remember the good times. The shared bus rides with my best friends, the fun locker room chats, when my teammates were there to guide me through the challenges of school and life, and when my coaches not only gave me advice on the game but on how to truly be me. Currently, I am playing both high school and club softball as both an infielder and outfielder. Through the GTS club organization, I have had many remarkable opportunities to participate in large nationwide tournaments like the Colorado Sparkler and the PGF Championships in California. Club softball has taught me grit: how to build strength, relationships, and skill through a long season. But most importantly, how to work hard and compete to achieve your goals. Getting started only in sixth grade, my softball career has changed dramatically since then. First playing with the local youth league teams for fun because "my friends are all doing it, Mom!" turned into joining my first club team, Pride of the Midwest, where I met and still hold lifelong friends. That then turned into participating in regional recruiting events to then joining an elite club and getting to travel the country. Through my high school program, I have worked hard to be a four-year starter at 2nd-base and shortstop. I have earned First and Second Team All Conference, Honorable Mention All District, Team MVP, several Regional and Sectional Championships, and bids to the State Tournament twice. Going into my senior year, I don't look forward to the time when I have to take my cleats off for the last time, to say goodbye to the team that built my character and gave me a competitive edge. And I certainly hope we can end with the ultimate goal of a long playoff run again. However, I know that they are sending me off ready for great things. I have committed to play softball at Gettysburg College next year. There I plan on pursuing a consequential education in history, at one of the most historically significant places in the United States, and making history for their softball program. I hope that in my collegiate career, I not only grow in my abilities of the game enough to make a run at a Centennial Conference championship or an NCAA tournament bid, but I also grow my lifelong relationships and experiences that I have already built upon throughout high school. During the stressful recruitment process, I am glad to have chosen a place where I know I will be surrounded by positive and competitive individuals who will drive me to be my best on and off the field.