Sage Reed '23 Recruiting Profile

I started playing softball at the age of 4 mainly to make friends and create a strong bond with the team, but I ended up falling in love with the game.  In my first year of 12u rec, they need a pitcher and I volunteered as it was something new and exciting.   I also wanted to learn all the positions to make sure that whatever team I was on I would be able to earn a spot and help where I was needed.  I loved learning about everything I possibly could that would help me become a better player and teammate.  I continue to do this on my own, through my coaches, and by watching every softball game I could.

I discovered college softball when I was 13.  I would watch every game I could.  I would have my parents take me to the surrounding college's softball games just to watch and learn from the plays they made.  That’s when I decided that I wanted to play in college.  So I started putting even more time in and practicing.  I gained a few different pitches, 3 change ups, a drop curve, and I’m currently working on my rise ball.  I wanted to learn the rise ball when I started watching Kelly Barnhill pitch,  I just loved the way she pitched and admired what she was able to accomplish. So I brought it up to my pitching coach and we have been working on it for 3 months now. It’s come along way in 3 months and I'm hoping to occasionally throw it throughout my sophomore season to get the repetition in against live batters.

In my 5th grade season I ended up sitting more than I used to but I didn’t complain it was a new coach and I had to adjust and prove to the coach I was worthy of starting and throughout the season I played more and more.  When it came to my 6th-grade season I had the same coach but this time I started every game and even worked my way back up to be the starting pitcher and that continued on throughout 7th and 8th.  In 8th grade, I was pitching 55 and practicing as much as I could on and off the field.  In my 8th grade school season we ended up winning the championship against Windsor and I was awarded the coaches award for showing up to every practice ready to practice and help others learn.  Even when I was injured I would show up just to help the coach and to watch practice to make sure I didn’t miss anything.  

I started playing travel ball during my 7th-grade year.  Through hard work and determination, I  quickly became the starting third baseman for the MAYSA Raptors.  That year the Raptors went on to win the Class B State Championship. My goal that year was to be the best player and teammate I could possibly be and to have fun while doing so, but it quickly became a much larger goal.  I  realized that I want to continue on after high school and be able to play college softball.  I also like to challenge myself academically by taking honors classes and I want to push myself to do the best I can and get into a college that will best suit my academics.

I put all my effort into being the best possible player I can whether it's through my skills or my attitude.  Every coach I have had has always told me that they liked how coachable I am and to continue this throughout my softball career.   that's exactly what I plan to do as well as keeping a positive attitude even under the most stressful situations.  Throughout my 11 years that I  have played, I have learned leadership, teamwork, and how to stay focused in every situation.