My softball journey began seven years ago. I didn’t realize how many bumps I would face along the way to achieve not just my goal, but my dream. It may just be a game for some people, but to me it is something that I love. There were multiple times I considered just giving up, but one amazing opportunity changed everything.

I always knew I wanted to play at a high level, so when my high school coach set me up with a tryout with one of the top Illinois travel team, Illinois Chill Gold, I was thrilled with the path I was headed toward. If it wasn’t for Rocco, I don’t think I would have the opportunity to play at a Division I college. With the opportunity of joining Chill, it also meant leaving behind friends and teammates. I felt like I let them down. Many of them did not like me anymore and didn’t really support my decision. My dad was the coach and people counted on him and I to help the team out in the summer, but I knew that this decision was the best thing for me because I realized I wanted to play softball in college and I needed to put myself first.

As a result of joining this new team, it made me a better player and exposed me to colleges. This team gave me many new friendships and experiences that are hard to find. My family and I made many sacrifices over the years traveling to several different states to play the game I love and dedicate myself to. I miss out on many things throughout the summer because of softball. It is hard to be able to balance family time, summer activities and traveling on vacations because softball becomes your life.

After years of playing, an opportunity finally came my way. I was able to attend several camps at my dream college, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I was in close contact with the head coach in hopes of playing for her. I’ve never been more determined and excited to play for Green Bay. Things were looking very positive until I received the news that the coach was leaving Green Bay to coach at another college. My dreams were crushed the minute I found out and it destroyed my motivation. I felt like giving up and I began to lose all hope.

The next season of softball was really tough. I thought I couldn’t do anything to get to my goal because of the coaching changes. My confidence was very low. I was already down about Green Bay, but I continued to move forward. I mean, that was the only thing I could do. I faced a lot of criticism, which made it very difficult to be positive. But what kept me going was my love for the game.

I get nervous before every game because I want to play my best and help the team as much as I possibly can. I also become very aggressive and that helps me focus more.

I began noticing other colleges offers once Green Bay was out of the picture. One of the schools that I was interested in was University of Wisconsin-Parkside. I started talking to the coach and he made an offer. The Parkside coach also ended up leaving and luckily he went to Green Bay, so I could continue striving for my dream school and I achieved it. It feels great knowing I finally achieved my dream. There were bumps along the way, but I kept fighting and was successful.

My family and friends always thought that I could  play college softball. They built up all of my confidence when it was low. My dad has been a big part of my career. He has shaped me to the player I am today. He always helps me perfect my swing, which really helps. My mom is also a big supporter. She comes to all of my games for travel and cheers for me at every game. My family was so happy for me. My parents were on Green Bay’s campus with me when I made the decision to play there. We celebrated that weekend with a special dinner.

Committing to Green Bay lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I had been working hard for years to just commit to a school. There was so much pressure during travel season because I always had to look my best even when I messed up or struck out, and that was especially hard. I hated just being up in the air about schools and always wondering what they were thinking about me when I was playing. I still get a little nervous playing in front of my coach, but I also feel relieved. I feel like I can finally just play the game instead of stressing out about what a coach sees or doesn’t see.