While the rest of their peers are stressing over college applications, Senior Sierra Singer and Junior Haley Mitchell already know where they will spend the four years of their lives after graduation. Singer will attend La Sierra University in Riverside and Mitchell is headed to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois on softball scholarships.
Singer is excited to be a college athlete, meeting people and being on her own. Other colleges had their eye on her, but she chose La Sierra because she liked how the coaches made sure that their athletes did well in school.
“It’s a really exciting feeling knowing that you are good enough to play in college and someone wants you on their team,” Singer said. “Finally all your hard work has paid off.”
Mitchell visited EIU and explored the city and its surrounding areas. She got to meet the members of the softball team, attended a camp and met with the coach.
“I decided to go to EIU because it was everything I wanted and more,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t want to wait one minute to commit to my dream school. It feels unreal. It’s everything I have ever dreamed of and it’s finally a reality.”
Although Mitchell got accepted to EIU, she still has a lot of work to do before playing in college. Her goal is to improve every day, choosing one task to work on and be ready to play by the time she goes to college.
“I can’t wait to start my major and begin doing what I love on and off the field while being at the school I love,” Mitchell said. “People say congrats and I smile, but it just feels like I’m in a dream.”
Singer and Mitchell both started playing at the age of four and softball is now a major part of their lives. Singer plays center fielder and Mitchell is the catcher for the Girls Varsity Softball team.
Singer and Mitchell no longer have to worry about college, but both still have one thing they need to accomplish. Their goal now is to win the 2015 Rio Hondo League Title and make it to the C.I.F. playoffs.