Emma Pennisi '20 Recruiting Profile

The first day of Freshman high school softball tryouts was the most nervous I have ever been.  Trying out for a select team doesn’t make me nervous at all, neither does playing in a championship game.  I made myself nervous for the tryouts because I kept doubting myself and comparing myself to the other girls, which then caused me to make many mistakes.  That is the first and only time I have ever compared myself to someone and talked down to myself.  After reflecting on my attitude, I did better not only physically, but mentally during the second day of tryouts.  That one day helped me realize how much my mentality can impact my performance.  From that I have learned how to just focus on the play at hand and forget everything else.

We haven’t won state, or made it to the finals, like the other teams.  Yet, I feel that I have learned more about softball than those who win.  Every year I gain a new skill and learn more about the game.  Even though I may be upset that we don’t win state, I value what I have learned during the year.  I have learned how to better communicate and to read the opposing teams.  Also, to not only forget a mistake, but learn from it at the same time.  I have learned much from my teams, and those skills have helped shape me into the player I am today.  I believe that I will bring these skills and more to the college that fits me, both academically and athletically.