My name is Scarlette Tegtman and I am a senior in high school. My college is 91,000 but I have 65 percent scholarship because of my softball athletic abilities. Even though I have some money taken off, there is a still a huge chunk that I am going to have to pay. My mom is a single mom and works her best to provide for my little brother and I. If I were to recieve this scholarship it would be so helpful to contribute a little to the overall cost of college. I do not have much help otherwise. I am a very good student and person. I do volunteer work through youth group, buddy bags and even angel tree. Please consider me for this scholarship.

felt this weird mix of peace and longing, like I had left a part of myself on those trails. Hiking anywhere can be fun, but there’s something about California—the air, the landscapes, the way the light looks different depending on where you are—that makes the whole experience feel bigger than just walking outside. The first time I went hiking there, I remember stepping out of the car and being hit with that warm, dry breeze that somehow already smells like adventure. Even before I started going uphill, I felt more awake than usual. The trail wasn’t anything extreme, but it had enough twists and small climbs to keep me guessing. Every time I rounded a corner, the view changed: one moment it was tall golden grass brushing against my legs, the next it was rocky cliffs stacked like some giant had placed them there on purpose. What I love most about hiking in California is how the environment never stays the same for long. You can start in a shady grove of trees, where the sunlight filters through in quiet little patches, and twenty minutes later you’re out in the open with nothing around you but rolling hills and sky. It almost feels like flipping through different worlds. I’d find myself slowing down just so I could take everything in instead of rushing to the end of the trail. There’s also something mentally freeing about being out there. California has this way of making you forget whatever you were stressing about before the hike. When you're walking up a steep stretch, focusing on your breathing and the sound of your shoes hitting the dirt, it’s impossible to think about anything else. For someone who overthinks just about everything, that break from my own mind is one of the main reasons hiking became so meaningful to me. The best part, though, always comes at the summit or lookout point. There’s this quiet moment right when you stop walking and look out over the view you worked for. It might be the ocean stretching out forever, or a valley filled with soft layers of color, or mountains lined up like waves. Every time, it hits me the same way: a mix of pride, calm, and this small reminder that the world is so much bigger than whatever is going on in my day-to-day life. It’s grounding in a way I didn’t know I needed. When I think about my favorite outdoor experience, it isn’t one specific hike—it's the feeling California gives me every time I’m there. The trails make me feel strong, calm, and connected to the world around me, and that combination is something I’ve never found anywhere else. Hiking there isn’t just a hobby for me anymore; it’s a reset button, a way to remember who I am when everything else gets overwhelming.

My story really starts on the softball field. Ever since I was little, the game has been my safe place and my challenge all at once. It’s where I’ve learned who I am, what I’m capable of, and how much I love pushing myself to be better. Softball has given me so many opportunities, but more importantly, it has taught me lessons I carry into every part of my life. I grew up with the kind of work ethic where giving up just isn’t an option. From early morning workouts to long practices, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from consistency and determination. I think that’s why I’ve fallen in love with being a slapper. It’s a style of play that demands quickness, creativity, and a lot of patience. Every at-bat is an opportunity to make something happen, and I love the pressure that comes with that responsibility. It has built my confidence and taught me to trust myself, even when things don’t go perfectly. Softball has also shown me the power of people. My teammates and coaches have been like family to me, and the bonds I’ve made through the game are some of the strongest in my life. We’ve celebrated the highs—big wins, walk-offs, championships—and we’ve stuck together through the lows. Being part of a team has shaped the way I treat others. It’s not just about being competitive; it’s about lifting each other up, finding joy in the small moments, and always remembering why we started playing in the first place. Off the field, I’ve kept that same drive in the classroom. Balancing school and athletics hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me how to manage my time and stay focused on long-term goals. Education is important to me because I know it’s what will carry me forward beyond the game. Right now, I’m looking forward to my future at Providence College, where I’m committed to playing softball. The moment I visited campus, I felt at home—the coaches, the environment, and the opportunities felt exactly right. I want to be part of a program where I can compete at a high level while also growing as a student and person, and I know Providence is the place for me. Looking ahead, my aspirations are pretty clear. I want to make an impact in college, not just with my performance but by being a great teammate and leader. I want to be remembered as someone who played with heart, gave her all, and brought energy every single day. After college, I can see myself staying connected to the game through coaching or mentoring. Softball has shaped me so much, and I feel a responsibility to pass on what I’ve learned to the next generation of athletes. When I think about who I am today, I know that the game has played a huge role in shaping me. It has built my confidence, taught me resilience, and helped me find my voice. But it has also reminded me that who you are matters more than what you achieve. My passion is rooted in growth—becoming a better athlete, student, teammate, and person every single day. That’s the story I’m living, and it’s the story I’ll keep writing as I take on the next chapter of my life.

Softball has been more than just a sport to me—it has been a teacher, a motivator, and a constant in my life that has shaped the person I am today. From the first time I stepped on the field, I realized that the game demanded more than athletic ability. It required discipline, resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace failure as a steppingstone to growth. Those lessons have translated far beyond the diamond, impacting how I approach school, relationships, and my personal goals. One of the greatest gifts softball has given me is confidence. The sport is full of moments where you either rise to the occasion or learn from your mistakes. As a slapper, I’ve had to master the art of staying calm under pressure—whether that’s beating out a throw to first by a split second or moving a runner into scoring position when the team needs it most. Those experiences have helped me realize that confidence doesn’t come from perfection, but from trusting the work I’ve put in and believing in my ability to respond in the moment. That mindset has carried into other parts of my life. Whether it’s taking a difficult exam or stepping into a leadership role, I lean on the same mentality I use in the batter’s box: stay focused, stay positive, and trust yourself. Softball has also shown me the power of teamwork and community. No single player can win a game on their own. Every victory I’ve been part of came from a collective effort—coaches pushing us to be our best, teammates cheering from the dugout, and everyone buying into a shared vision. The relationships I’ve built through softball are some of the most meaningful in my life. They’ve taught me how to communicate, how to support others, and how to lead by example. I’ve learned that being a great teammate often means putting others first and celebrating their success as much as your own. Currently, I am committed to playing at the collegiate level, which has been a dream of mine for years. The recruiting process was not always easy—it came with highs and lows, doubts and difficult decisions—but ultimately, I found a program where I know I can grow both as a player and a person. Right now, my focus is on preparing myself physically and mentally for the transition into college athletics. That means dedicating myself to strength training, refining my offensive game, and constantly working on the small details that separate good players from great ones. I’ve also made academics a priority, because I know that the student-athlete experience is about excelling in the classroom as well as on the field. Looking ahead, my aspirations go beyond simply playing at the next level. I want to make an impact. My goal is to be the type of teammate and player who helps elevate a program—someone who pushes others, competes with heart, and leaves a lasting impression of hard work and resilience. After college, I hope to stay connected to the sport, whether that’s through coaching, mentoring younger athletes, or being involved in the community. Softball has given me so much, and I want to give back by helping others discover the same passion, confidence, and sense of belonging that I’ve found through the game. In the end, softball has positively impacted my life by teaching me lessons that go far beyond the scoreboard. It has given me confidence in myself, lifelong friendships, and a vision for my future. Most importantly, it has reminded me that with dedication and love for what you do, the possibilities are endless.