Athletes are one of the hardest working individuals on the planet. No matter who what sport, they all sacrifice a great deal for their activities. However, college athletes are arguably the ones who sacrifice the most. I played sports in high school, but I was never good enough to move up to the next level of competition. If I had, I would be playing for a division two school. To understand what that life would have entailed, I decided to interview senior softball standout, Casey Wilcox. Casey is an education major, and she is currently on block. Soon, she will be student teaching. I present to you the mindset of this tenacious shortstop.

Q: Why did you start playing softball?

A: My family played ball. It was kinda just something we all did. Then, as I got older, it became my getaway. When things were hard, I had softball and being on the field made sense. I love the competition and the team chemistry you create.

Q: When did you start to think this was something you could continue into college?

A: I had a family friend tell me that I needed to, and I never really believed it. Then, I played my last game in high school and knew I wasn't ready to be done.

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete?

A: The most stressful yet rewarding thing I've ever done. I have gained a second family, girls that would do anything for me and it's something I can never be thankful enough for. But at the same time, I am exhausted every second of every day. My body, mind, and spirit have been pushed to their absolute limit.

I would never trade my experience for the world, but I definitely realize how hard this is and have the utmost respect for every single student-athlete.

Q: What keeps you going as a division 2 athlete? There is no chance at a professional contract, it is something that runs you to exhaustion, what keeps your passion alive?

A: I do it for my teammates. I have 20 other girls who get up every morning, put on the same jersey I do and fight to be better. I made a promise to them when I started this thing that I would continue and never stop improving. And like you said, I have no options after this. No pro league, no anything, so I have to live in this opportunity while I can. This sport makes me a better person. Even though there are times I want to throw it all in, I won't. The game means too much to me. It has shaped me into the person I am.

Q: What is a daily schedule like for an early childhood and special education major and athlete?

A: Well, this semester I have class every morning at 9. But, I go to the athletic training staff most mornings at 8. I sit in class an average of 6 hours a day which takes me to about 4. Some days I have practice at 5:30 and then lift till 9. We practice 3 to 4 times a week, not including lift or individuals hitting time. This will all change when I'm out in the field where I will be up at 5:30 and in school till about 4. Then I will go straight to practice again. This is a light semester since we're not playing games yet. When spring hits, it will all be different. I will be practicing 20 hours a week in addition to games.

Q: Now, you are coming are to the end of your college career. What is left for you to accomplish this season?

A: I want to finish strong. I want to continue to limit my errors. I want to increase my batting average, my on-base, my ability to discern at the plate. But mostly, I want to be a good leader. I want to be the type of player that glorify God through all actions. I love softball, and He has given me this ability so I need to use it. My identify is not found in softball; it is found in Christ. I will work hard because He knows I can.

Q: When all is said and done, and you finish this season, what will you hope your mark will have been on this organization?

A: I hope people understand how much Clarion softball means to me and how much I want us to be successful. Also, that it is more than a sport, it's a family. That we created a team that will be together after the last pitch is thrown. We take this experience, and we never forget it.