Diana D’Angelo '21 Recruiting Profile

      My goals as becoming a college softball player are to learn from my teammates and coaches , and to  become an even better peer. Over the years of playing softball I’ve learned that this particular sport has taught me valuable lessons on how to respect others and on how to respect the game. Softball has helped me develop self determination and respect that I take with me every minute of everyday.  I know what it feels like to not make a team the first time and to be frustrated when you don’t meet your goals. But the most important thing is to keep fighting and push through no matter how much pain you’re in. If you work hard and believe you will overcome any hardship you face. I didn’t make my travel team the first time I tried out, but after a year of working hard and believing in myself I made the same team the next year. Now I’ve been playing on my travel team for about 4 years. In my academic field I used to have a speech impediment when I was in elementary school. It held me back from reaching the confidence I have today.  I struggled while most kids were excelling and that really discouraged me into believing myself . I wanted to give up on life and some days I didn’t want to live anymore. But with help by my speech teacher and family I started  to believe in my intellectual abilities and myself. My family has always been my rock, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. My parents both pushed me to do my best and today I’m in the honors classes that were impossible to me in elementary school. For this reason I want to be a speech pathologist . I know what it feels like being on the other side of the table feeling afraid to speak your mind. I want to help kids realize that anything is possible if you just believe. Softball has taken me on a journey that I will forever be thankful for, it has taught me never to give up even when every odd is against you. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and I will be eternally grateful for all the ups and downs that have brought me to where I am today.