High school softball wasn’t supposed to mean this much to me. Club is where the best competition is. Club is where the college coaches are. Club is where you spend 9 months of the year. But somehow, high school ball hit different for me. I’ve learned more about myself here than I ever expected. And now, heading into my last season, I know I’m going to miss it. Here’s what stuck with me: 1️⃣ The Nerves Are Different My first HS start as a freshman? Pure nerves. Coach Fowler handed me the ball, and suddenly, I wasn’t just playing for my team—I was playing in front of classmates, parents, and seniors who weren’t sure if I could handle it. The adrenaline, the pressure, the fear of failing in front of a crowd… that’s something you don’t get in club. It took time, but I learned how to control it, use it, and even love it. 2️⃣ Taking Care of My Body I thought I was built for this. I’d pitched 24 innings in 24 hours before, so what was the big deal? The big deal was recovery. In club, you get breaks after a long weekend. Club is like interval training. HS is a marathon. In HS, you practice or play 6 days a week. One recovery day isn’t enough if you don’t prepare. By junior year, my body was shot after a nonstop recruiting cycle. I played well, but I felt it. I’ve learned to listen to my body, take care of small issues before they turn big, and build strength before the season so I don’t burn out when it matters most. 3️⃣ Embracing Your Role My first year, I was the only freshman getting starts. Every other spot was filled with seniors. Other talented players barely saw the field. Those that stayed locked in were ready for their shot. Roles change fast in this game. Your job is to be ready when it’s your turn. 4️⃣ Great Teams Are Led by Players HS teams reset every year. You don’t have years to build chemistry like in club. Good teams have strong coaches. Great teams have players who step up. As a freshman, I had to prove myself in a big moment before I was truly accepted. As a sophomore, there were higher expectations but I didn’t know how to lead just yet. As a junior, I led any way I could on the field. I was confident in what I brought to the table. Now, as a senior, I’m ready to lead on and off the field. 5️⃣ Losing Sucks, But It’s My Greatest Fuel I’ve won big games. I’ve also lost two state championships and a semi-final. Last year, I committed to Oregon State in January, felt on top of the world, and rolled into HS season ready to dominate. We finally beat our rivals (Salpointe) for the first time in years. I was one strike away from a perfect game in the semi-finals—finished with a 15K, 1-hit shutout. I was 18-0. I felt unstoppable. Then, in the biggest moment, I wasn’t. State championship. Thousands of fans for a Tucson vs Tucson championship. And our rivals finally had my number. I wasn’t prepared to lose like that. That loss hurt more than anything, but I didn’t let it get me down for long. I took a few days off and got back into the bullpen. It fueled me. It made me better. Losing the biggest game of the season is brutal, but if you can channel it, it can make you stronger. I’m ready. One last run. *picture from freshman year #FourthTimesTheCharm

RT @CoachRayNoelte: Great video clip below! For those playing behind someone else & not getting the same opportunities, take advice from th…

🔥 🔥 👀 #uncommittedstud

RT @d1fastpitch1: The younger players are watching you and looking up to you more than you know. Always work to be a great role model for t…

RT @CoachLarissaA: Someone opinion of you doesn’t change if you can do it or not. It’s just someone’s opinion of you. It’s not your reality…

RT @justfactsmaam: Gerry Glasco was pretty straightforward postgame on why he didn’t start Canady in the circle against Nebraska. https://t…

RT @BrentBlaylock1: Have a day @BeaverSoftball! Impressive performance by @lauraberg44 & her team.

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😲

It was a great day…we got the job done!

@jordinwash21 @BeaverSoftball @BretDenio @ExplosionKim @ExtraInningSB @LineDsoftball @BradyVernon @PGFnetwork @softballamerica Welcome!

This 2026 prospect is still uncommitted and will get snatched up fast. She’s 💯 D1 material and didn’t get the nickname “Crusher” at age 8 for nothing! 👀

My little Cal Poly cousins Jack and Charlie went to support the Beavs on opening day. Thanks for the photo op @lauraberg44

RT @BeaverSoftball: A three-run seventh powers the Beavs to an opening day win over Cal Poly! #GoBeavs

RT @BeaverSoftball: The road starts today! 🛣️ 📊

RT @JavierJMorales: .@KenzieFowler19 mentioned on the ESPN+ broadcast of Michigan State-Arizona that today is the birthday of her mom, lege…

RT @Jocelynbriski: Heart is overflowing with love! Cant wait for tomorrow

RT @Emmashaffer2027: Working on a little bunt action before high school starts. #84degrees

@Macy20Glory @ExtraInningSB @BritneyPurser @FNUSOFTBALL @ccprospects23 @Get2CollegAth @SBRRetweets @Franciscan_SB @PSCSoftball @gatorjack72 @UWAA_United @AppStorms48176 🔥

RT @Get2CollegAth: Thank you to @Streuber2025 for cutting a promo for us with her busy schedule! #Podcast #Athletes #Listen

RT @justfactsmaam: Happy @D1Softball OPENING DAY to all who celebrate!