People tend to change, transform, grow, mature, etc. over the course of their college careers, and that can entail a whole variety of aspects, such as physically, socially, psychologically, and so on.
Senior Catlin Shilling (Waverly, OH/Waverly) is the epitome of transformation, growth, and maturity. She was unsure of what type of softball or college career that she would have following her freshman year, after she "let herself get to a low point."
Softball didn't go the way that she wanted it to, although most would say that she still didn't have a bad freshman year, she was unsatisfied and she felt that, physically she was not in the shape she was supposed to be in. She played in 34 of the team's 32 games, hitting .282 (22-for-78) with six doubles, two homeruns and 15 RBI.
That was enough for Catlin to motivate herself towards the changes she felt she needed.
"When students come into college they say you'll gain the freshman fifteen, well I gained the freshman thirty! I had let myself get to a low point and it affected softball drastically. So by the end of my freshman year, I made it a goal to work out hard and eat right over the summer, and from that summer to the beginning of my junior year I had lost 50 pounds."
A great accomplishment all on its own, and now she is also a major key player on the softball team. Shilling was named National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) third-team All-Central Region and currently holding the single-single school record with 10 homeruns and holds the career record with 20 homeruns.
"I was constantly in the weight room, hitting extra, and doing agility to get faster at third base," Shilling added. "I have become a better hitter overall from the then to now. I see the ball better and I have confidence in my swing that I never use to have. I have kept working and keep transforming. I feel I have become a stronger athlete not just physically, but mentally as well." Head coach Beth Floyd added, "Catlin is a tremendous young lady, who has really grown throughout her four years; not only as a softball player, but as a person. When she's passionate about something, she puts her whole heart into it and that's how she has been able to get better every year on and off the field; she has improved her game in every aspect and I am very, very proud of her."
Catlin's evolution has been team and self-motivated as she has stayed loyal to her beliefs and her trust in God to help give her the strength to get better each day.
"I wanted to do my part to help our team be the best and motivate them to the best of my ability," she said. "Ultimately, I couldn't have stayed motivated without my parents, but most definitely, I couldn't have without God."
After college, Catlin plans on being the Athletic Director for Pike Christian Academy in her hometown of Waverly, as well as an assistant softball coach for Ohio Christian University in Circleville.
"I want to positively influence athletes through Christ, I want to train athletes and help people become the best person they can be," said said. "With God's help, I plan on getting Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification,. and I would ultimately like to own my gym."
- Written by Christian Patterson
Senior Intern