Olivia Travis '12 Recruiting Profile

As a person, I am a very outgoing, funny, loving person who enjoys spending time with family and team-mates. The majority of my time is spent at school, working out for softball and basketball and with my family. However, I do also enjoy community service events and volunteer work. I have volunteered at a locol soup kitchen for 7 years at Thanksgiving and have been a peer tutor for the special needs children at a previous school. I enjoy community events and attend church regularly. In all I do, I am a committed person. I believe that my commitment, desire, work ethic and drive to succeed are the qualities that have moved me to a higher standard in softball. I have a never-give-up attitude and believe that this part of my personality is what colleges would not just want, but expect of their student-athletes. I began playing softball at age 5, and have always tried to play above my age level in order to stay at the top of my game. I have played in the 18 Under division since I was 11 years old. When I am on the field, I am more comfortable than anywhere else in life. It's the place I go when I am looking for fun, relaxation or to burn off steam. The field is like my 2nd home. I truly can't imagine my life without softball, and would be thrilled if I could turn that into a way to help get me through college. It would be a dream come true to play college softball, and get an education at the same time. I am 5'6" tall and weigh in at 155. I have a solid build and am extremely strong. I have played in multiple World Series, and have been voted to the all World Team twice. I understand that college is a different level of softball, so I have ensured my value by learning multiple positions. Besides being a left-handed pitcher, I play 1st and 2nd frequently. Also, I have played shortstop and outfield. But, not only do I play all of these positions, I have learned the footwork and techniques that go with them. I have taken the extra time to make sure I am valuable at the plate, also. As a lefty, I am a power hitter, but I also can bunt, slap or drag. I pay close attention to the defense so that I know what needs to be done. I am quick and a smart base runner. My knowledge of the game during plays makes me a great leader. I have good instincts, and that just comes naturally to me. My favorite memories growing up are primarily softball. The road-trips to games 4 states away, the teammates, playing at the park until I had no energy left. There is nothing like stepping onto the field and throwing the perfect pitch, turning a double play or smacking a triple to drive in the winning run...to me, that is life. As for the particulars about where I want to pursue my goal of playing college softball, I have not yet defined them. I do not want to limit my opportunities, so that I might find the best fit for me and the college I attend. I am open to all schools, as I want to ensure success on the field and in the classroom. At this time, I am considering a career in working with special needs children and coaching softball. I would love to see time on the field as a freshman, but know that is an earned privelege, so that will be a goal of mine wherever I choose to go to college. One thing is for sure and that is the love I have for the game, and the desire to continue to play.