Halena Gartner '24 Recruiting Profile

In college, I would like to play softball along with studying to be a forensic scientist. What makes me a good candidate is the fact that I'm a pitcher and a catcher and I've learned to play every position in case I am needed to play there. Another is my competitiveness, I like the challenge of competing with players who are more experienced or at a higher skill level in order to make myself a better player all around. Something that makes me stand out as a player is my knowledge of the game. I don't just think about the initial plays, I like to also challenge myself mentally; I think about what comes next and the probability of what will happen depending on the batter's stance or the fielders reactions. 

Over the years, I've worked hard to handle the ups and downs of game play, recognizing that I will have good days and bad days and that my best for one day won't necessarily be my best for another. Likewise I like to help my teammates realize that they can also have bad days and motivate them to give it their all on every play. I met Jennie Finch when I was 8 at one of her camps and 2 things that she said that stuck with me the most are 1. turn your frustration into motivation and 2. if you're struggling take the bad energy and turn it into good energy to build up your teammates.

Academically the majority of my classes are either AP, Dual Credit, or Honors. Although I have maintained a 3.73 weighted GPA, Senior year I want to focus more on improving my academics as well.