Alivia Artanis is a senior infielder at West Broward High in Pembroke Pines, Fla. and a member of the Florida Gold Lopez/Santana 18U team.

She will play at the D1 level next year and has shown to everyone—including various college coaches who had their doubts—that she has the drive, talent and skills to play at the D1 level.

Here is Alivia’s initial blog for us as she shares her beginnings in softball and what she’s learned in her career…

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It is with great honor that Line Drive Media has given me the opportunity to share my story with the softball community!

Currently, I am 18 years old and beginning my final high school season here in South Florida. Many of my teammates call me “Liv” or “Little T,” but Coach Pepsi calls me “Double A.” They say nicknames represent connections between people, signifying comfort and deeper bonds.

My softball journey began at the age of 10 at the recreational level, which—as many in the sport know–is considered quite late. By the time I was 12, I had transitioned to a travel team, but let’s be clear: I was neither emotionally nor physically ready for that caliber of play. However, as recreational leagues began to dissolve, I had little choice but to take the leap.

A veteran softball mom recommended that I attend Coach Pepsi’s tryout sessions, as he was part of a large organization called INTENSITY. She believed in his precise methodologies and his ability to develop athletes for the next level.

The journey, however, was anything but easy.

My skills were stripped down to their core and rebuilt from the ground up. Today, Coach Pepsi continues to be my batting coach, working with me regularly. He not only helps me improve at the plate but also enhances my softball IQ and keeps me mentally grounded.

Everyone’s journey is unique—no one wants to read the same book twice—and as I reflect on mine, there are a few things I would have done differently. For example, I skipped the 16U age bracket and moved straight to 18U. Playing alongside older, more experienced teammates provided invaluable mentorship and guidance.

However, this unconventional pathway made the college recruitment process more challenging, as I missed crucial opportunities for college coaches to see me in action. To compensate, I took a proactive approach by engaging in various softball-related activities. I focused on developing my Twitter page, connecting with followers, and networking through social media.

My letters to college coaches went beyond softball—I wanted them to see me as a well-rounded individual. I included pictures of myself snowboarding, country line dancing, lifting weights, screenshots of my grades and academic awards, and even photos from my job.

This allowed them to see my ability to balance multiple aspects of my life while managing my time effectively, all in a visually engaging way.

While my social media presence highlighted my strengths, one challenge I couldn’t overcome was my height. At 5-foot-1, I am what some might call “vertically challenged!”

My parents have always told me, “Good things come in small packages.” However, during the recruitment process, my stature often led coaches to judge my abilities before even seeing me play. Many dismissed me outright. But those who saw past my height recognized my spark plug energy—both on and off the field.

My enthusiasm, unwavering support for my teammates, and ability to make in-game adjustments caught the attention of the right coaches.

Two incredible coaches from Queens University of Charlotte—a private school of close to 2,000 undergrads in Charlotte, N.C., saw me for who I am and what I bring to the game. They welcomed me as part of their Division 1 squad, valuing my skill set and determination over my physical stature.

My excitement for this next chapter is immeasurable. Not only will I be a few states away from home, but I am looking forward to experiencing true seasons with colder temperatures, enrolling in my Sports Communication major, and, of course, line dancing with my new teammates at a popular spot in town!

It is incredibly important to NEVER measure your worth against someone else’s successes. Stay focused on your goals, take pride in your accomplishments, and embrace your struggles.

As Frederick Douglass once said:

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

—Alivia Artanis / West Broward (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) High and member of the Florida Gold Lopez/Santana 18U travel ball organization.