Every softball player—any high-school aged athlete, really—dreams of the day when she can make her dreams come true by committing to the college of her choice.

By then what?

After the excitement wears down, there’s work to be done and in her latest blog, outstanding junior pitcher Carly Potts – who has given her verbal to sign with the University of Iowa –shares what she went through to ensure she was making “meaningful progress.

Carly has been a long-time blogger for Line Drive Softball; here are two of her previous contributions:

• Introducing 2026 Pitcher Carly Potts… How Her “Just Keep Working” Mindset Has Paid Off Big-Time! (Sept. 4, 2024)
• Line Drive Blog: 2026 Pitcher Carly Potts Recaps Her Recent Big Ten Commit… “I Did My Research!” (Sept. 23, 2024)

Here’s the latest from the 2026 student-athlete at Gibson Southern High in Fort Branch, Ind., where she plays varsity softball and soccer.

Note: if you are a player and would like to blog or write for Line Drive – perhaps to share your own recruiting or softball experiences, contact Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com.

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After committing to play softball at Iowa, there was definitely a relief that all the hard work was finally paying off. The process of getting to that milestone was filled with a lot of uncertainty, countless hours at camps, emailing coaches, and worrying about my future.

Once I made that verbal commitment, I felt like I could finally shift my focus to preparing for the next chapter of my athletic and academic journey. Even though the real work has truly just started, the stress of the recruiting journey was finally over.

One of the best aspects of being committed is the ability to start focusing more on what matters the most. I have always tried to focus on being the best student, athlete, and teammate that I can be.

However, that process has become so much more enjoyable without the constant pressure to look for new opportunities and worrying about recruiting timelines.

I can dedicate more time to my personal growth. I have been focusing a lot more on my nutrition and learning what my body needs to perform at its highest level. I am also doing a program called The Empowered Athlete where I read scripture and journal about my goals and do self-confidence work.

This shift in mindset has allowed me to be more purpose-driven and has opened up my daily routine for more meaningful progress. I want to continue to develop skills that will benefit my future team as well as my current high school team. 

Another truly wonderful part of this stage of the recruiting process has been the chance to connect with my future teammates. It has been so amazing to get to know the other recruits!

I love chatting with them over social media and on our Zoom calls with the coaches. I really feel like we are already creating friendships that will continue to evolve once we get to campus.

I am so excited about this part of playing college softball!

Verbally committing and shifting my focus toward my future is incredibly freeing. I feel a new motivation, and I actually feel more passion for the game. I didn’t realize how stressed I was about the recruiting process until it was over.

I am so excited to be a part of the Hawkeye community and take on all the new challenges that come with being a college athlete. 

— Carly Potts