Anna Jackson '20 Recruiting Profile

    My goal since I could throw and catch has been to be a college softball player. I try every day to play for the young girl who dreamed of being a collegiate athlete and do everything I can to make her dream come true. Not only do I want to play softball at the college level but I also want to major in nursing. I have always had a desire to help those around me in any way possible. My mom, a registered nurse, has told me amazing stories of how she has helped sick people and I want to be just like her.

    I am a good candidate for most teams because I am a versatile player that has played nearly every position on the field. I can do just about anything except pitch, and I LOVE to run the bases. I am fast, not lightning quick, but nonetheless I am a smart and aggressive baserunner, which makes me effective. I am also very coachable and I strive to improve my game everyday. I am in my yard nearly every day hitting into my net to improve my swing, or throwing long toss with my dad to increase my arm strength. Even on the rainy days I watch softball to improve my knowledge of the game. Lastly, I am a good teammate. Something about being on the softball field brings my personality to life. I have always gotten along with my teammates and as a catcher I have been able to create good relationships with my pitchers. 

    There are many things about me that set me apart from other softball players. First, I am a team leader. As a catcher it is important for me to lead by example. I am very independent and confident, which makes me not afraid take the first step. I always try to set a positive example and do the right thing, and typically others follow my lead. I have also learned a lot about leadership through playing basketball. In middle school I was the point guard and captain. I took on the leadership role of that team and I learned a lot about creating synergy within a team and making my teammates better. Next, I have a high softball IQ. I love to watch baseball and softball, so I am always learning more and more about the game. Also, I am an outstanding student with a high work ethic and superb grades. My teachers respect me because of the work I put in every assignment. They can tell the work I give them is always my best effort. Lastly, the one thing that sets me apart the most is my true love for the game of softball. I see team after team where there are so many girls that like the sport but I have only met few who truly share the same passion for the game as I do. In fact I am often teased by how much I like it. I spend hours at the ball field, practicing, playing, or even coaching younger players. I watch softball basically anywhere on the ESPN app (this is not a plug) and listen to the 7 Innings Podcast (also not a plug). Even when I get tired of practicing hitting right handed I will turn around and experiment with slapping. I get tired of catching and I try my hand at pitching. For me, practice is not something I am burdened to do, it is something I want to do because I have a love for the game and want to be the best player I can be.