The Next Step

In the fall of 2023, I will be attending East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas where I will play for the school’s winning softball team and major in Sports Communications.

For as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of wearing a collegiate softball jersey. Attending prospect camps, editing highlight videos, emailing 20 college coaches a week and traveling across the nation to play ruled my life for a good amount of my career. Earning a scholarship to play softball at a Division I school was the only thing on my mind, driving my decision-making and truthfully my life.

It wasn’t until I joined Bridgeland Student Media I realized I had another love in my life, journalism. I started narrowing down the list of schools I wanted to play softball for. I was looking for a Division I school to play for that had a good journalism program too. The recruiting process became harder for me after I had found my future career path. After pursuing some of the interests I had with some Division I programs, I found I wouldn’t have a lot of time to put the amount of effort and focus I wanted into journalism with the demanding schedule. I felt I was going to have to choose between the two, a crossroads to pick between softball or journalism.

On Dec. 7, 2021, I took an unofficial visit to ETBU after receiving an invite from one of their coaches. I instantly felt right at home when I stepped foot on campus and fell in love with the softball program. What set ETBU apart from other schools for me however was their willingness to let me pursue both of my interests at the highest level. The Tiger softball coaches were adamant they wanted me to chase my two dreams equally and personally took me to the communications department to talk with some of the people who are involved. After explaining to them my career goals and what I had accomplished journalistically thus far, they told me they were on board. They wanted to help me achieve whatever I wanted to start at the school in any way possible, which is not an opportunity that presents itself every day.

ETBU isn’t known for its communications department. Despite their potential and constant growth, they haven’t established themselves as a prominent name in the journalism world just yet. However, with the amazing community and staff there along with the immense support I was given to be innovative, I saw it as a rare opportunity rather than something that would drive me away.

I took a few weeks to think things over, and I decided to call a few of my mentors to hear their thoughts. After telling them the circumstances of the decision, every single one told me I should jump at the chance to not only be a student athlete but be a part of a communications program that invites my creative freedom. Jan. 2, 2022, I called head coach Janae Shirley to give her my verbal commitment to the softball team.

Fast-forward to Nov. 2022, the month I was going to travel to Marshall for my official visit with the rest of my future teammates. I was anxious that the visit wouldn’t go well, my future teammates wouldn’t like me, the communications department who I was to meet with on my visit wouldn’t like the ideas I brought in for the school or all of the above. Commitment is scary, and I was nervous that I was making the wrong decision. However, I was supposed to sign my National Letter of Intent days later.

All my doubt and worry disappeared when I arrived before the visit that morning to meet with the communications department. I showed them my presentation on the ideas I wanted to start and how I wanted to take it to the next level. I received nothing but positive feedback. They made their support evident and told me they would be by my side to make it happen. Immediate relief swept through me. The initial vision I had pictured in my mind of a journalism career now seemed possible.

I know my journey will be atypical for a journalist trying to make a name in the sports world and that the road less traveled won’t be an easy one. But in the end, I think that’s what will separate me from the pack, which is ultimately what led to me making one of the best decisions of my life. Having the possibility to go in and leave a mark on a program with their full endorsement and no boundaries to what I want to create will only expand my skillset, push me beyond my comfort zone, enhance my leadership and give me a chance to be the trailblazer I have always wanted to be. In addition, simultaneously getting to be a collegiate student athlete is an invaluable experience. It is one that will not only give me an edge in sports journalism but also in life in general. I am beyond excited to get to work at ETBU both athletically and journalistically with people who see my potential and value what I can bring to the table.

There will be mountains to climb and obstacles to conquer, but with my relentless dedication to being the best version of myself possible, I know I will come out of it on the other side with a competitive advantage.

Go Tigers!

A vision board I created for the time spent at ETBU playing softball and continuing my journalism career.