Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I joined the Hotshots Naudin program in the fall (of) 2024. I wanted to be in an organization where I was pushed by other players and coaches and I wanted to be coached by the best of the best. I knew I wanted to play for Ed Naudin because I knew without a doubt he would get me to where I want to be.

Tell us about your high school team and how you did and what are your plans/goals this season? My high school team has been phenomenal the past couple years. We were the 2025 TAPPS Division 3 state champions and I’m so proud to have been able to contribute to the success of the team. My goal for this season is to stand out in a leadership role as well as help the team continue to dominate our district and division.

Can you talk about Sept. 1st and your recruiting journey? September 1st is the date that I have been looking forward to since I stepped on the field as a little girl. I went into this day with a positive mindset and a peace of mind. I tried not to stress too much, knowing no matter if it was September 1st or a year from that date, I would end up where I’m supposed to be. I love the work, grind, and grit so much, and I was willing to work as hard as I ever have to make my dreams become a reality.

What was the most important thing you picked up at college softball camps? I just tried to soak in the knowledge of each and every coach and player that worked those camps. It was a privilege to get to travel all over the country and getting to learn from so many greats in the softball community.

Why did you choose to commit to Michigan State? When I stepped on campus in East Lansing and got to see the environment of Michigan State, I knew it was the place for me. The coaching staff is amazing and I know they will push me to the best of my abilities and they don’t just care about my physical performance, but also me as a person. Everyone I talked to was so welcoming and it truly feels like everyone is home there.

B1G THINGS COMING SOON
GO GREEN!@ShoMcDonald @WellsBethaney22 @coachanniesmith @CoachDStenger @MSU_Softball @CSA_Athletes pic.twitter.com/OJ2PLFc8MN

— Zailey Freeman (@ZaileyFreeman) September 17, 2025

What can you tell us about the kind of coaches you will have at Michigan State? I’m so blessed and excited to get to be coached by Coach Sho (Sharonda McDonald-Kelley)! I’ve seen her at recruiting events for years and have, of course, followed her career since she played. The call from her on September 1st is a moment I’ll forever cherish. And after my visit and watching practice, I can’t wait to get in the cage with Coach (Bethaney) Wells! Coach Annie Smith is a wealth of knowledge and a legend in the softball community. And I am excited to pick Coach D (Danielle Stenger)’s brain as a pitching coach about how college pitchers attack hitters. These coaches care about players physical AND and mental side of the game, which is something I love.
I want to be pushed to the best of my abilities and I know I will learn so much from them. I can’t wait till the day I get to contribute to the Michigan State Softball team!

What’s your best piece of advice for younger players at the beginning of their recruiting journey? Trust in your abilities, surround yourselves with coaches and players that will push you to get better and want the absolute best for you. Work hard and you will see results.

What do you plan to major in or study when you get to college? I haven’t decided, yet, but my interests are in Sports Journalism and Sports Psychology.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school? English/Writing.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? “Relentless” by Tim Grover. I bought this book this past summer and I was stuck on it for weeks. I love the mental side of being an athlete because it’s truly where everything starts. This book just gives me the fire and motivates me to have the best mindset.

What’s your favorite hype song and why? “Is You Ready” by Migos. This song really gets me in the zone and pumped up for my games.

What’s your favorite movie and why? “The Notebook.” Old love story movies are my favorite.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Love Island.” So much drama, but very intriguing.

Do you have a secret talent/skill? I am very artistic.

— Carlos Arias, Line Drive Media (Follow Carlos on Twitter @los_stuff)