Kira Hayes '28 Recruiting Profile

My name is Kira Hayes and going to college to play softball has always been a dream of mine. I have been playing softball since I was five years old. Starting with t-ball and working my way up to travel ball.  I was watching the Woman's College World Series games live and I said to myself, "I want to be here someday". Ever since that moment I have worked hard to obtain the goal of playing at a collegiate level.

I have started out my softball career as a catcher, then I wanted to try pitching and never looked back.  As a pitcher I learned to control my emotions and to be mentally tough.  I have attended a training program called Unbrakeable Athletes which trained me on the mental side of the game. I also communicate with my team mates when I am in the circle.  I have been praised for my leadership on the field and in the dugout.  I have also been praised for my mental toughness. As a second  baseman I have learned how to field different kinds of balls that are hit.  I have played on different softball teams with different coaches for each team. I am coach-able and willing to make adjustments in order to become a better softball player. In doing so, I have played every position on the field except for center field. 

I train year round for softball with my hitting and pitching coaches. I currently play for the Nebraska Thunder. With the Thunder we play games year round. I also tryed out for a national team and was offered a spot on the team.  I feel playing with a National team will help me prepare for collegiate softball. In the summer I attend an 8 week strength and conditioning camp. There we work on strength conditioning and sharpening our softball skills. The Freshman that attend this camp go to the Freshman State tournament held in Nebraska every summer. This is where High School coaches can get a look at the incoming Freshman class and their skills. I was invited to play in the Freshman State tournament during my 7th and 8th grade year. The winter is our off time however, I still schedule hitting and pitching lessons/workouts.  

In the classroom I work equally as hard. I know how much my future relies on my grades and focus in the classroom.

I would like to attend a college where I am able to push myself athletically and academically.  I would like to study Interior Design, but that might change by the time I attend college.  I want to be successful to accomplish the goals that I have had set for myself and to also make my family proud.