Carly Blair '24 Recruiting Profile

My love of the game started when I held the bat in my hand while watching my mom play on an adult league.  The next week, my mom signed me up for little league softball so now I've been playing half of my life.  I joined a travel team at 10u and started really learning the game.  While on that team, my speed was noticed and I transitioned into a left handed slapper.  It was hard at first because I'm naturally right handed, but through lessons and determination, I got the hang of it.  I still play travel and train all year round.  I have the highest bases stolen percentage on the team with 25 stolen bases in 23 games .  I am the lead off hitter because I can get on base and I'm fast.  My current batting average is .528 with 53 at plate appearances .   As a freshman in high school, I made the Varsity team. I continue to practice and earn my spot as an upcoming sophomore.  My job was to pinch run, steal and score runs.  As I got stronger on Varsity, the  coaches saw my potential.  They have stated that I am a very coachable and well rounded player.  I have had set backs on and off of the field.  The sudden death of a close 14 year old family member by suicide was a major blow to my world.  It was hard to cope with and see a light at the end, but family, friends and sports helped me cope and have a sense of normalcy that was taken from me that day.  My friends on my team supported me.  Softball was something I could control and work to get better at.  I think this experience helped me to deal with  bad calls and my mistakes in the field and at bat.  It helped me to build confidence in knowing myself.

When I look toward the future, I see my college years to be a time of personal growth and reflection.  A growth not only in academic knowledge, but socially making connections on and off the softball field.  My ultimate goal is to explore a biology major that will propel me forward to pursue my dream of becoming a Veterinarian.  On the field I will continue to be an all around dynamic player doing my part, big or small, to help my team achieve victory.  I am continually eager to be coached and pushed to be the best player that I can be.  As I grow physically and mentally throughout my college softball career, I will strive to do my personal best and earn my position on the team.   I promise to honor the team and school by conducting myself in a way that shows leadership  and  courtesy.  I know I am a representation of the uniform I wear and the way I carry myself is a reflection of my school and coaches.  Sports are so important and have taught me how to prioritize my time and energy.  Learning strategic plays on the field translate into my academic life in class.  Knowing that you are part of something bigger than you as an individual is a great life lesson I will take with me always.