Lillian Lawson '22 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing softball since I was 6 years old and at 9 years old I began playing travel softball.  The skill level within my school district is not strong and my parents and I knew that I needed more instruction and competition to be able to compete at a higher level.  Because of the lack of travel ball experience in my school district, I have struggled during school ball season.  Because the playing level has been so different, I struggle putting the weight of the team on my shoulders.   At times, this tends to frustrate me and decrease my level of interest during the school ball season.  I love softball and miss the field during the off season, but I work on my skills regularly.   Travel softball has provided me with so many opportunities to grow both on and off the field.  I want to continue to play softball at the collegiate level while I obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education with a possible minor in Special Education.  Currently, I cannot imagine my life without softball.  Travel softball has provided me the opportunity to meet many new individuals, grow as a team player and leader, and make some new life long friends.  I have learned that every player has struggles and even the best players can have an "off game".  I feel that I am a strong athlete academically as well.  I stay focused on my studies and make sure to do my best possible work whether I'm in the classroom, on the softball field, or in the community in general.  COVID has caused so many changes in our lives today as we know it, but I continue to work hard in the classroom and on the field.  I have been asked by coaches within the Extreme Force organization to assist with training/coaching players on the younger teams.   As I am working on strengthening and conditioning my body, this allows me to also be on the field.  Since I want to major in Early Childhood Education, coaching/training with the younger players also provides me some training in the educational field; speaking with younger girls, teaching skills, presenting, etc.  I work at an indoor training facility as well and help out occasionally with customers asking for help with their daughters beginning to learn softball.  I have worked hard to improve my GPA and graduate with honors.  During the COVID pandemic, my parents and I chose to do 100% online studies for the 20-21 school year.  Although it has been a different way of learning, I have progressed in keeping my grades above average and arrange for extra help when needed.  My goal is to participate in the Early Childhood Education Internship at the local elementary schools next year, Sr year.  I am looking forward to this experience and excited to have the additional interaction with other teachers and helping teach the young children.  I hope that the skills I am currently learning with helping the younger girls softball teams will help me have a stress free and successful Sr year during the Internship program.