CADENCE WILKINSON

​     When it comes to my proudest accomplishments outside of sports, I would have to say time management. Life gets busy, and people shut down or give up on something because they “don’t have time”. I am someone with a busy life who has not given up. I manage online college and high school classes, 3 softball teams, 2 jobs, fitness, friends and family, and the thing I value most, my faith. I have been able to find a flexible job, one that I manage myself.  I have also been able to show up for my teams and put in the work outside of practices and games in every window I get, whether it’s before a game or on a day I don’t have softball. Working out and maintaining my physical health has always been so important to me for not even the physical appearance but also for my mental health. I start my mornings with a good meal, and then a workout always sets the best mood for my days and makes me a better person. When life is busy, it’s very easy to push loved ones away.  I like to plan even a month ahead if it means I can find a free day to hang out with a friend. My proudest accomplishment and something I grow in and get to know better every day is my faith and relationship with Jesus. Whether it’s in the morning or at night, reading the bible or watching a sermon, I will always do my best to make time for the one who matters most, Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31, and Philippians 4:13 are two of my favorite verses. The first one talks about how in everything you do, do it for his glory and that is the mindset I like to have going into everyday life. The second one states that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, so nothing is impossible with Jesus by your side.

     My plan after high school is to pursue a career in medicine, and more specifically physiology. I am currently enrolled in both homeschool classes and early college classes through the dual enrollment program, earning college credit while in high school. I hope to pursue a college transfer to an in-state college and pursue either nursing or athletic training. I maintain a 3.5 GPA and will graduate in May of 2026. My Softball journey has brought my many challenges as well as many exciting and proud moments. I am currently a junior in high school and started playing softball at the end of my sophomore year. I learned the game of softball 2 years ago, but I fell in love with it after day one and was so eager to put in the work and get better.  My first year of softball I started on my school team, Cabarrus Stallions, (the only team I was on at the time) in the second base position. After my first year, the drive to get better and play on more teams was unstoppable. I started to take private hitting lessons to perfect my timing and swing, I also would work fielding with my hitting coach to help improve my defense. Softball at the high school level takes more then knowing how to swing a bat and throw the ball, it also takes high IQ and knowing many different scenarios when the ball is in play. Because of that, I watched many college ball games and videos showing different plays. One day, I was at a batting cage with my dad and met a girl who played on a local rec team. We didn’t waste any time as we had been looking for another team to join.  Everything lined up just right and I began on a new team, playing in middle infield, and center field positions. Not too long after playing for rec, I was asked to come workout with the Coul Oak Black Widows travel team and was soon asked to join the team. All the things were starting to come together, and I was happy to say that all the hard work paid off. Travel softball is another animal compared to school and rec, but I was/am excited and willing to put in the work to get better. I start as the Black Widows travel team Center fielder and keep working every day to get better in that position and the overall sport. I have learned to bat both left and right-handed, and slap hit. The coaches use me in whatever capacity they need. At the beginning of April I was selected to play in the Gatlinburg All American softball tournament called the Cap Classic, where I will play with some of the best homeschool/private school players from all over.  

     Softball has taught me many lessons, and I am now a better person overall. Three of my biggest takeaways with my softball journey are first that it’s so important to be disciplined and have healthy habits both on and off the field. Two, you must put in the work outside of games and practices if you want to see improvement. Three, your attitude goes a long way and will affect not only the way you play, but how others view you as a teammate and person. I am a driven, organized individual, and I am looking forward to what the future holds in school, sports, and personal growth. 

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