Ali Schulz
Editor-in-Chief
Emery McReynolds has played softball since she was seven years old. Now, she is taking her career to new heights, committing to play at Rockhurst, a Division II university.
McReynolds did not start out as a softball player. “My brother played baseball, so I always grew up watching him and was inspired to start baseball myself,” McReynolds said.
After one year of playing baseball, she decided to switch to softball in order to be with other girls that were her own age. McReynolds also knew she wanted to play in college from a young age.
“I knew [switching] would allow me to grow a successful career playing softball rather than baseball,” McReynolds said.
After the switch, her career took off. By the time she got to high school, McReynolds was talented enough to be a starter on the Varsity softball team. Although nervous, she slowly grew more comfortable, due in part to the help her coach, Brian Gibson, offered her.
“Coach Gibson always believed in me and made sure that I believed in myself, too. He was always there if I wanted to take extra ground ball reps or get extra swings in,” McReynolds said.
During her high school career, McReynolds broke numerous records. “I hold the school career record for at bats, games played, runs, doubles, home runs, and assists. I also hold the single season record for hits, doubles, home runs, and total bases,” McReynolds said.
For McReynolds, however, softball is not just about breaking records. “Softball is [also] a place where I can escape from the craziness of the world and just enjoy doing what I love,” McReynolds said.
McReynolds’ positive experiences with softball are what convinced her to play in college. She chose Rockhurst because she loves the Kansas City area, the coach, the dynamic of the team and the student-athlete balance that Rockhurst provides. She plans to eventually play shortstop in college, as it is her favorite position and she is constantly involved in plays.
“Emery has been such a worker. She loves the game of softball and has never let herself be satisfied- she’s always working to improve and learn. Nothing will surprise me as far as how successful she will play. She’s awfully talented. Ultimately, I just want her to enjoy playing and competing,” Gibson said.
In addition to playing softball, McReynolds will major in marketing and minor in communications.
Senior Addison Simpson, McReynolds best friend since third grade, is excited to watch her succeed in both her softball and academic career.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching her dedication and hard work as she lives her dream of playing softball at the next level. Seeing the countless hours she’s put in behind the scenes, I couldn’t be more proud,” Simpson added.
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Ali Schulz- Editor-in-ChiefThis will be Ali Schulz’s third year on ECHO Staff. She also made several contributions while taking journalism class her freshman year. She was opinion/news editor her first year on staff |
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