I can relate with girls that are overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the College that they want to attend, especially when you have to make that choice early in your life. What is your major? What career will you choose? Do you want to be close to home or across the country? Do you like the Coaches? Answering those life questions as a teenager can be stressful. I was faced with my decision to commit as a freshman in high school. One thing that helped a lot was taking trips to the Universities that I was interested in and that were interested in me as a student/athlete. Actually being there at the place I would call home for four or more years helped a lot! Getting to talk to the girls that actually went to school there, seeing the facilities and talking to the coaching staff really helped me make an informed decision (don’t get me wrong, it was still hard to choose - and harder to make the phone calls to the coaches of the schools that I had decided against). 

  
Paige receiving her National Letter of Intent, after signing with UCLA and posing with other members of her high school team who signed

People always told me that "when I find the right school, I would know", and to an extent that was true, but it helps to do the research and experience (in person) what the school is all about. Let’s face it, we all love to play softball and compete on the field, but as young women we also have to consider quality of education as a priority for our future. So talk about it (A LOT) with your family and mentors, take the time you need, then when all the pieces are in place .. take the leap! 

I can’t wait to start attending UCLA this fall because it is right for me and I am truly excited and honored at the chance to contribute to UCLA’s legacy both on the field and in the classroom. I wish all of you good luck in finding the college of your dreams like I did - and if you have any questions just follow me on twitter @paigehalstead and ask away .. I’ll try my best to share experiences and help if I can! Thanks for reading my blog, until the next one - keep working hard, it pays off!