I Committed: Belle Mancillas Finds the Perfect Fit at Santa Fe College

Belle Mancillas, a right-handed pitcher for Intensity National KOD Bodell 2024, will continue playing softball and studying at Santa Fe College in the fall of 2024.

The student-athlete was candid about the highs and lows of her recruitment process.

“It was a very stressful time for me, as I had multiple offers across the divisions. I originally wanted to go out of state and was prioritizing Division I schools, but as the process continued, I began to have doubts,” commented the Santa Fe commit.

“Many are unaware I use an IEP in school so academics don’t come easy for me. I have good grades but I try much harder than the average student. At some point after September 1 and doing visits I knew I wanted to go in a different direction but wasn’t sure where. I began to tell all schools who were interested in me ‘no.’ I was afraid of not being able to handle school and ball.”

This is quite a mature consideration for a high schooler to make, as too many young athletes get caught up in divisions and conferences, forgetting to ensure that the university they commit to is one where they will feel comfortable and be able to thrive.

Belle found the best of both worlds when Coach Savannah Webster connected with her this summer and invited her to tour campus. Since Belle’s team had been competing in Gainesville that weekend, the meeting was pure kismet.

“I knew that day that Santa Fe College could potentially be my home.”

Arrangements were made soon after for an organized visit with the team where she was able to get to know the coaches and the team on a deeper level.

“They made me feel so welcomed and at peace, I knew this is a place I could continue to grow as a player,” Belle said, confident in her choice. “Mentally, I felt calm knowing of all of the tools they could offer academically to me put me at ease. I’m extremely happy and at peace with my decision.”

Belle plans to study business at Santa Fe College with hopes of one day opening her own training facility down the road.

— Regan Weekly/Extra Inning Softball

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