University of Pittsburgh Athletics
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Kayla Harris: The Long Road to Success
5/31/2018 11:29:00 AM | Softball
The Long Road to Success
Written By: Kayla Harris
When I was growing up, I knew I liked sports and had aspirations of being a professional athlete. From there I just had to figure out what sport I wanted to play.
I was introduced to softball when I was younger and, at first, I really had no interest. Once I stepped on the field, a feeling of excitement came over me. I knew with my gut instinct that this was the sport for me, but I had no idea where I fit in exactly.
I tried first base, third base and catching, until one day I was introduced to pitching.
I started pitching when I was around 10 years old and trust me, I was nowhere near as good as anyone else was and I thought I was honestly hopeless. However, my parents and numerous teammates had so much faith in me though that I really couldn't let them down. I worked with a pitching coach every day until I finally got it and soon was able to compete with the more competitive girls.
When I was 11 I began my softball career officially by joining a travel team. From there I worked effortlessly to become the best pitcher in my area. I began receiving recognition for my accomplishments and, when I was in high school, I thought I might be able to do something with this.
I started looking at colleges and hoped I could take my softball career to the next level. Soon enough various colleges were recruiting me, and one of them happened to be Pitt. I never really thought of going up north mainly because I wanted to stay close to home and the environment was completely different from what I grew up in my whole life.
However, after visiting, I got a great feeling from the coaches, the girls on the team and the city as a whole and decided this is where I belong.
From walking on campus a nervous little freshman to growing into the person I am today, I have thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity I have been given at Pitt. I have met some of the most amazing teammates and coaches during my ride that have impacted me in ways that no one will understand. Being given the opportunity to play at the collegiate level has made me that much stronger of a person than when I first walked onto this campus.
Many people go through ups and downs in their life. Take me for example. When I started softball, I thought there was no possible way I was going anywhere with it. Now looking at it, I finished my softball career and my education at a Division I University, which is what every little kid dreams of. I was able to do this through all the support from my teammates, coaches and parents. For that, I will forever be thankful.
To anyone doubting themselves and thinking their dreams will never come true, to that I say, "put yourself out there, go for it, you may surprise yourself." By putting everything you have into something you want, your dream may just become a reality as it did for me. I have been gifted with many athletic and academic opportunities that have paved a road to success for me after college.
My experience at Pitt has greatly impacted my life and prepared me to have a bright future. I will cherish all of the relationships and memories I have made here and they will hold a special place in my heart forever.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey.
As always, Hail to Pitt!
Kayla Harris
Written By: Kayla Harris
When I was growing up, I knew I liked sports and had aspirations of being a professional athlete. From there I just had to figure out what sport I wanted to play.
I was introduced to softball when I was younger and, at first, I really had no interest. Once I stepped on the field, a feeling of excitement came over me. I knew with my gut instinct that this was the sport for me, but I had no idea where I fit in exactly.
I tried first base, third base and catching, until one day I was introduced to pitching.
I started pitching when I was around 10 years old and trust me, I was nowhere near as good as anyone else was and I thought I was honestly hopeless. However, my parents and numerous teammates had so much faith in me though that I really couldn't let them down. I worked with a pitching coach every day until I finally got it and soon was able to compete with the more competitive girls.
When I was 11 I began my softball career officially by joining a travel team. From there I worked effortlessly to become the best pitcher in my area. I began receiving recognition for my accomplishments and, when I was in high school, I thought I might be able to do something with this.
I started looking at colleges and hoped I could take my softball career to the next level. Soon enough various colleges were recruiting me, and one of them happened to be Pitt. I never really thought of going up north mainly because I wanted to stay close to home and the environment was completely different from what I grew up in my whole life.
However, after visiting, I got a great feeling from the coaches, the girls on the team and the city as a whole and decided this is where I belong.
From walking on campus a nervous little freshman to growing into the person I am today, I have thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity I have been given at Pitt. I have met some of the most amazing teammates and coaches during my ride that have impacted me in ways that no one will understand. Being given the opportunity to play at the collegiate level has made me that much stronger of a person than when I first walked onto this campus.
Many people go through ups and downs in their life. Take me for example. When I started softball, I thought there was no possible way I was going anywhere with it. Now looking at it, I finished my softball career and my education at a Division I University, which is what every little kid dreams of. I was able to do this through all the support from my teammates, coaches and parents. For that, I will forever be thankful.
To anyone doubting themselves and thinking their dreams will never come true, to that I say, "put yourself out there, go for it, you may surprise yourself." By putting everything you have into something you want, your dream may just become a reality as it did for me. I have been gifted with many athletic and academic opportunities that have paved a road to success for me after college.
My experience at Pitt has greatly impacted my life and prepared me to have a bright future. I will cherish all of the relationships and memories I have made here and they will hold a special place in my heart forever.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey.
As always, Hail to Pitt!
Kayla Harris
Players Mentioned
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