Annie Bowers '20 Recruiting Profile

As a student athlete it is difficult to juggle academics and sports. I have played many sports throughout the years and out of all of them, softball has been by far the most life changing. Softball has allowed me to not just grow as an athlete but also as a person.  My determination and worth ethic is what separates me from other athletes. Even though anyone can say they have these traits, I can honestly say that I have never worked harder to reach my goals than I have playing softball.  My parents, teachers, and coaches always tell me that academics come first but to me, athletics and academics go hand-in-hand. Academics help me to prepare for the rest of my life by teaching me what I need to know to succeed in college and in any occupation but being an athlete has pushed me to never give up no matter what, taught me that teamwork and communication are necessities in any situation, and gave me another family of sisters who I would do anything for. One thing that I will always remember above everything else is what my coach has told me and it has not only helped me thrive in high school, it will also get me through college and the rest of my life. Coach Katelyn Fisher said to me, “not everything works out the way we hoped. The mental drive is what separates average and excellence. The most important thing is to reflect and let go of the past. If you think too much on the negative, you’ll believe it rather than learn from it. Start thinking positive now so you'll be prepared later”. I want to play softball in college more than anything. I want to be a part of a family that will push me to be better and who will tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. Playing next level softball will not only bring balance to my college life, it will also challenge me to be the best version of myself.