Yesterday, we announced the National High School Player of the Week and Ciara Babcock, a sophomore pitcher/outfielder from Temescal Canyon High in Lake Elsinore, Calif. was honored as a Runner Up National Player of the Week after she went 5-for-6 for a .833 batting average.

The success for Ciara, however, has not all been easy as she has faced many roadblocks on her journey including nay-sayers and doubters.

In her first-person blog below, the Class of 2027 standout recalls some of the challenges she’s faced and how she overcame them to become a top softball prospect today..

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When it comes to overcoming adversity, my journey in softball has shaped me in ways I never imagined.

As a young athlete, I often faced doubts from coaches and peers who said I was too small to be a pitcher. Standing at just 5-foot-3 and weighing 115 pounds, I quickly learned that my size didn’t define my capabilities.

Instead of letting the comments of doubters deter me, I thrived off their skepticism and committed myself to training harder than ever.

Today, as an 18U travel team member and a sophomore in high school, I am proud to still be pitching, proving that determination can overcome any obstacle. Softball is a game of resilience and mental strength, and I’ve embraced these challenges with a positive mindset.

One of the pivotal moments in my career came when my travel coach suggested I switch from being a right-handed hitter to becoming a slapper at the age of 10. This decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made. It transformed my game and opened new avenues for my development.

I’ve learned that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible. Inspiration plays a significant role in my journey, and one of my biggest role models is Bella Dayton with the Texas Longhorns.

Bella’s story is a testament to the fact that height or size does not limit success. She’s not only an accomplished athlete but also shares my jersey number and plays a similar position as a slapper and outfielder.

Moreover, Bella is majoring in Physical Culture and Sports, the same field I aspire to pursue. Her achievements motivate me to strive for my own dreams in both softball and academics.

Throughout my athletic career, I’ve encountered moments of self-doubt. There were even times when I considered stepping away from the sport because I felt overshadowed by my peers who seemed to develop faster than I did.

However, my supportive family—especially my parents—always encouraged me to push through those tough times. They reminded me that being the smallest and youngest on the team didn’t mean I couldn’t succeed. Their unwavering belief in me fueled my determination to never give up and to work even harder.

To maintain my edge in both the off-season and in-season, I train at a specialized gym that focuses on kinesiology. This facility not only helps me recover and stay fresh but also provides guidance on meal preparation and nutrition.

Having a structured regimen has been crucial in balancing my physical demands with my growth as an athlete. I’ve set high goals for myself because I believe that if you can reach your goals easily, they aren’t ambitious enough.

My aim is to play at the collegiate level while majoring in Sports Medicine or Kinesiology. Currently, I am on the journey to recruitment for college softball. It’s a process filled with challenges, but having my dad by my side to guide me through the intricacies has made it manageable.

There are several schools showing interest, and I’m excited about the possibilities. I believe that with dedication and hard work, there’s a perfect fit for everyone in the collegiate sports landscape.

The process includes reaching out to coaches, sharing videos, and maintaining communication—all steps I’m fully committed to undertaking.

As I continue this path, I want to express my gratitude to all my coaches who have supported and guided me throughout the years. Their encouragement has been instrumental in my growth as a player and as a person.

I’m eager to see where this journey will take me and look forward to updating everyone on my college decisions. The future is bright, and I’m ready to embrace every challenge that comes my way!

— Ciara Babcock
Temescal Canyon High (#6)/Athletics Mercado – Walker (#6)