Thanks to ASA / USA Softball for letting me share some things from my experiences and everyday life.. it’s a true honor to be representing the National Team and the USA!
I wanted to share some of my experience from the ASA/USA National Team Open Tryout. First of all, just like when I was younger, the things that I find most fun in our sport usually center around new experiences - like playing in different states or tournaments, meeting new people, learning new things and the thrill of competition. The tryouts for the National Team pretty much hit all of those, including the chance to meet some of the best coaches in the softball world.
The first day, there were almost 100 girls that were trying out to make the cut, giving you the chance to compete against the players that received an invitation. There was a mix of players I knew from the past including teammates or girls that I had played against in the past, but it was great to see the players there from all over the country that I had never met. Well, I made the cut and was notified to come back to the National Team meeting for the Selection Camp that would give us instructions, roommates and our hotel rooms for the weekend.
On the second day we got split into groups. The format was really fast moving and organized. Since I was trying out as a catcher, our groups got a lot of reps in front of the Coaches and we got to catch A LOT! In the following two days we all got to catch literally every pitcher that made it past the open tryout or was invited. In addition, our group got to hit against every pitcher there.
After the tryouts finished, I was exhausted and excited waiting for the call to see if I made the team. One of the most exciting emails I ever got was notifying me that I would be representing my country on the Junior National Team. It was unreal!
I met so many great players that I had so much in common with, and even though we were competing for the same spots, we all picked each other up and rooted for everyones success and best efforts. Not that I wasn’t a little nervous about trying out, but I really faced the event like it was an awesome new experience - and great competition at a high level. It seemed like the coaches were not concentrating on our past accomplishments, but trying to put together a team that could be the most competitive and give our country the best chance at winning the Gold.
So there you have it, my first blog for the National Team, I hoped you enjoyed it and I look forward to blogging again soon!
Paige Halstead
USA # 25