Gracie Hickman '25 Recruiting Profile

Hello Coaches,

My name is Gracie Kooper Hickman aka (Kooper). I am a Freshman class of 2025 at Joseph A. Gregori High School in Modesto, California. I have been playing softball since 2014 and playing travel ball since 2016. I primarily play first base and some Third Base and outfield.

Softball has had a significant influence on my life, not only teaching me about the game itself but building my personality. It has taught me how being a leader and a good listener are equally important to being a good teammate. Being a part of a team has allowed me to collaborate with others as a single unit. Softball has shown me that if you work hard you will have success on the field and off the field.

Academics have always been important to me. I currently have a 3.8 GPA in honor classes. I am dual enrolled in Modesto Junior College taking additional courses when time allows. I started this in 2020 after my school shut down and went to distance learning. My goal is to attend an academically driven college while playing softball.

This year (2021), I stepped out of my comfort zone on the softball field and joined my high school freshman basketball team. Learning a new sport and different positions has been exciting, frustrating, and triumphant. Joining the basketball team has taught me that I can compete at anything I put my mind to. However, I cannot wait for my high school softball season.

I volunteer at a local bowling center by coaching the youth league bowlers. I grew up in bowling leagues, and I love helping children learn new skills, so it works out perfectly. When time allows, I also help with customer service by handing out and putting away shoes at the front desk. I help answer the phones and direct callers appropriately. I aid customers with minor issues assist, with cleaning duties, and serve food. I was helping with the blind bowler’s league by being a pin spotter, which simply means verbally announcing what pins the vision-impaired bowler left standing after each ball. The blind bowlers league is suspended due to COVID, but I look forward to seeing them all again soon.

My main focuses while exploring colleges are to find a competitive softball program with a positive atmosphere that will continue to challenge me. A program that will allow and push me to progress, both as a player and a person. I strive to find a school that will help prepare me to achieve my life goals.