Educating, energizing and
empowering student-athletes
to expand their potential
to be their BEST on and off the field.

When I was in high school, I was placed on the JV team my freshman year. I was beat out for Varsity by the current players as well as players my own age who had more experience than I did. Espi was one of my coaches in middle school, so one day, I reached out to him asking if he would be willing to do one-on-one practices with me to raise my caliber. We did hitting and fielding, and I improved significantly. My sophomore year, I made Varsity and stayed on Varsity for the remainder of high school as a regular starter. I also finally hopped on the travel ball wagon the summer after my sophomore year.

As my junior and senior years rolled around, I was heavily considering playing in college. It soon consumed me; sometimes more than it should. At this point, I was playing softball practically year-round and making college visits to NCAA Division III schools. Espi was always one of my biggest cheerleaders throughout this whole process. He even helped me film videos to upload to my NCSA recruiting account.

Around Christmas 2017, I was heavily weighing my option of attending Franciscan University of Steubenville. The coach there that November made it clear that he had wanted me and would start me. I had loved my visit there, but was having doubts; so it was a huge decision to make. One day, Espi insisted that I pray that night. I did; and the next day I received a Christmas letter from the coach, once again expressing how much he wanted me as a player. Coincidence or not, it finally just felt right. January 2, 2018, I made my verbal commitment to Franciscan University of Steubenville, and I signed on February 7, 2018.

At Franciscan University of Steubenville, I started all 4 years, as a NURSING MAJOR. The only time I ever missed playing time was during injury or nursing clinical, which wasn’t often. It was the perfect balance.

I owe so much of my success to Coach Espi. Aside from the hitting and fielding help, he significantly helped me improve my MENTAL game. He helped my mental game in words that I honestly cannot describe. All I can say is that his constant support, his pushing me to do better, and his love for this game, all helped me gain the confidence that I was missing in high school. Playing softball in college was one of the best decisions I ever made. It helped me with my time management, communication skills, teamwork skills, and focus; all skills that will benefit me in my career as a nurse. I have also made friendships that will last a lifetime.

I seriously do not know if I would have played softball in college if it wasn’t for Espi. I encourage any young woman who wants to play at the next level to work with Espi any chance they get.

I now am going to start to give back to my college team as a volunteer assistant coach whenever I can during my nursing days off. My love for this game will never end; and I thank Espi for helping to fuel that fire in me.