Caylen Jackson '18 Recruiting Profile

    My name is Caylen Jackson, but my preferred name is Taylor.  I am 5'2" and a very hard working softball player. I am an athlete who loves this game, and is dedicated to the sport. I have been on the varsity roster since I was in eighth grade, however I did not start. I was a courtesy runner throughout my eighth grade and freshman year playing varsity. During my freshman year I began to prove that I earned a starting spot and began playing throughout the course of my 2015 season. In 2016, my sophomore season I started in center field but was moved around where the coaches saw the best for our team. My main positions are center field and short stop, but I am willing to play wherever coaches see me best fit for the game being played. My most important accomplishments were receiving Honorable Mention All-Area, and being nominated to play in the East-West All-Region game this season, as a sophomore. 

    How I manage my of-season is a major aspect in playing softball at a higher level. In order to be successful you have to practice, practice and practice; along with practice you have to play and compete all year long to show your leaps and bounds on the field. By playing on a known travel ball team, you can be noticed more easily. On the other hand, I play on a local travel ball team, but still compete in exposure tournaments, and we compete well in them. Playing on a local travel ball team means I have to be willing to put in the time on my own to become a better ball player to be noticed by college coaches.     

    With the understanding that I have the ability to play college softball, pushes me even harder and makes me more passionate for the sport I love. Being able to get the experience in the field at such a young age, gives me many opportunities to show what I can and will offer in the years to come. It gives me the experience and shows what my strengths and what I need to work on. It shows what i can offer to the team in the upcoming years, which is a promise that I will always give my best on and off the field for my teammates. It is the promise that that I will always work my hardest and I will never give up on my team. 

    When it comes to choosing what schools interest me, I have several options. I am open to new challenges but I hope to find the college that fits me best. It does not matter about the size of the school, but I do want to be able to drive to my choice of school in a single day and not be rushed. As long as I receive a good education and play softball I will be happily content. I am undecided about my major right now but I am leaning towards Psychology, as of now. However,  this is subject to change over the course of my high school and college career. 

    My career goal is to continue to play the sport I love with higher competition, to prove that I am able to compete. Also, being able to make an impact on my team with my encouragement, and positive attitude. Being able to make little girls who dream of playing in college smile, would make me happy. Knowing I made a difference by trying my hardest will leave me ecstatic.