Natalie Adorno '20 Recruiting Profile

Hi,

  My name is Natalie Adorno. As I entered my freshman year, I had never played softball before. I was hesitant about playing. My mom had played in high school, and told me just go to an open gym and give softball a chance, and if I did not like it, I could move on to another sport. I decided to go, and was instantly in love with the game of softball. During my freshman and sophomore seasons, I was the starting second baseman on JV, and was called up to Varsity several times, but never was given an opportunity to play. As my junior season was upcoming, I set a personal goal for myself.  I was going to work as hard as I could to prove to the coaching staff, I was ready and willing to be a valuable player to the team, wherever they needed me. For the most part, I generally spent most of my time in right field, but was also used as an extra hitter. As the season kept going, my confidence grew more and more, especially when I was batting. I am a contact hitter, and came up to bat with the mentality that I was not going to strikeout! I would put the ball in play anyway possible, and that led to a .431 average this past season. I was chosen to the Metro Suburban all-conference team, a goal that I never had set for myself, and truly did not expect it.  My coaches told me that it was my work ethic, and selflessness, that led to the successful season that I was able to attain.

   As I reminisce of my accomplishments this past season, I am most proud of what we accomplished as a team, which is winning a regional championship.  My teammates will always come before myself. I have had the privilege over the past few years of being called up to Varsity to cheer on the starters.  I never took that for granted. Every player has a role on our team, whether it is to be on the field and make plays, or cheer for the starters on the bench.

  One thing I have learned over these amazing three years of playing softball, is my ability to listen to my coaches and teammates, and to further my knowledge from a softball standpoint.  I will take these characteristics with me to the college level, which is what I have dreamed of doing since I was introduced to this game. I understand that playing any college sport is a gift, and not everyone can do it.  I can tell you that I have the motivation to extend my softball career after high school, and that I am a dedicated player, not only on the field, but in the classroom as well.  

  I appreciate you taking the time to read this.