Jeri Rainey '20 Recruiting Profile

From the time I was five years old, and my mother enrolled me in t-ball, I knew that I fell in love with softball.  I quickly over the next few years, moved onto little league softball, then into club ball and high school varsity softball.   I feel like I spent the majority of my childhood out at Sunset Park (local ball fields)  I know every inch of those fields, and love the red dirt, smell of the grass, etc.   I have made great memories and friends. And some of my adult mentors have also become friends, fans and loved ones.  A few years ago, I was asked to help out the local little league (where I started) as a base umpire.   The region head umpire sent me to umpire school, which was amazing  I came back with a certificate and did all aspects.  I helped out the little girls I once was.  I have done a little coaching for middle school girls as well It brought me great joy.   I feel a team is a family, and just as in a family you must work together.  I also was active in Varsity Volleyball, and this last year was voted Captain due to my leadership abilities.   I took that in stride and also loved it.  I will miss it dearly, but the memories last a lifetime.

In addition to softball, I would rather be outside than anywhere else.  My family moved to Arizona when I was 5 years old from Central California.  I was always raised in an environment where I was outdoors.  Hiking, camping, off road vehicles, and horseback riding are my pass times.   I do try to make time for these outside of my schoolwork and softball.   I feel like it grounds me.