Elizabeth (Libby) Parkin '20 Recruiting Profile

     My mom once gave me a poster with a saying on it that read "toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in the muscles".  At the time I thought it was silly,  but as a female playing along side my male counterparts, I have come to appreciate it's significance.  Obviously in the world of competitive sports, physical toughness is a desirable attribute.  It can be readily seen and measured by the naked eye.  However, a solid foundation of emotional and mental toughness, that can't be documented with stats and numbers, is equally as important.  In my experience, it hasn't always been the strongest guy that runs the fastest, hits the farthest, or throws the hardest that wins games.  I believe that it's the mentally tough players that can separate emotions and remain focused on what matters most who are the true leaders.  I believe that I not only have the talent to compete at the college level but also the work ethic, character, and leadership skills necessary to prove that I am as tough as they come.

     Why not make this easier for everybody and just play softball you ask?  My answer is quite simple.  It's not the same sport.  Would you ask a football player why they don't play rugby or a hockey player why they don't play golf?  I grew up playing baseball.  I have been playing since I was 4 and competing at the travel level since the age of 8.  I have been blessed to have been a part of teams and organizations with coaches, teammates, and parents who have all encouraged and supported my love of the game.  I have had the opportunity to learn from many talented coaches and some of the most top notch personal trainers in the country.  I am very coach-able and am always eager for opportunities to improve my skill set.  I have been fortunate enough to be able to compete against some of the best youth players in the nation as well as internationally against Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, receiving many top honors and accolades in the process.  I am excited to be partnered with Nike and Phenom Illinois for this upcoming 2019 season.

     I have been told by some to give up because I would never be able to keep up with the boys or even be allowed to play baseball in high school.  Not only was I the starting pitcher on my high school's JV team as a sophomore, but I also had the highest batting average and on base percentage at the end of the season.  When I wasn't on the mound, I could usually be found playing first base which is my secondary position.  My ultimate goal is to be able to play in college at the highest level possible.  It would be such an honor, and one that I would not take lightly, to pioneer the future of female athletes being able to play a traditionally men's sport at the collegiate level.  My hopes are that my hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the past as well as my unwavering determination for future successes will inspire young girls to worry less about shattering glass slippers and more about shattering glass ceilings.  I've been told that my pick off moves rival those of the best MLB pitchers today,  so I look forward to the day that the phrase "you play like a girl" is one of the highest forms of compliment you can receive about the greatest game on earth!

Respectfully Submitted,

Libby Parkin Class of 2020