October Recap: Voices From the Field Featuring Standout Players and Coaches

October Recap: Voices From the Field Featuring Standout Players and Coaches

October’s Voices From the Field series delivered compelling stories and invaluable advice from some of the sport’s top athletes and coaches. This month’s lineup featured insights on navigating recruitment, building resilience, and maintaining competitive advantages. Here’s a look back at our October highlights from these influential players and mentors.

Lexie Hames (2025 Clemson Commit) – The Power of Focus and Patience in the Recruiting Process

Ranked #1 in Extra Inning Softball’s Extra Elite 100 for the Class of 2025 and the #1 player in the Northeast region, Clemson commit Lexie Hames shared her wisdom on staying focused during recruitment. Hames emphasized the importance of avoiding comparisons to others and embracing your unique path through the process. She highlighted her approach of reaching out directly to colleges of interest and sending mail to build visibility with her top choices. Her recruiting advice for the Class of 2026 is centered on maintaining a confident mindset and steady perseverance, showing that a well-thought-out strategy can make all the difference.

Kara Wine (2026 South Alabama Commit) – Research and Preparation for College Visits

South Alabama commit Kara Wine, who holds the 26th rank in Florida and serves as her high school’s Senior Class President with a 4.55 GPA, brought valuable insight into her thorough approach to college visits. Wine underscored the importance of preparation, from researching programs to bringing note cards with questions for coaches, which allowed her to build meaningful connections and make informed decisions. Throughout her recruiting journey, Wine used her approach of mailing letters to college programs, putting her name in front of coaches and sparking interest. Her advice for future recruits centers on approaching each visit with curiosity, ensuring they’re choosing the right fit both academically and athletically.

Mya Bartlett (2025 Idaho State Commit) – Balancing Athletics and Academics for Success

Ranked #47 in Extra Inning’s Elite 100 Infielders and a member of the Extra Inning Softball Honor Roll as an Elite Scholar, Idaho State commit Mya Bartlett discussed her dedication to balancing sports and academics. Bartlett highlighted how a structured schedule has been key to her success, helping her manage the demands of school and competitive softball. She offered recruiting advice for the Class of 2026, emphasizing the importance of organization and commitment to both their athletic and academic goals. Bartlett’s journey highlights that with careful planning, young athletes can thrive in both areas, ensuring their long-term success.

Candela Figueroa (Argentina National Team) – Lessons Learned from International Softball

Argentina National Team member Candela Figueroa shared her unique experiences, reflecting on the differences between softball in Argentina and the United States. A standout with notable accolades, including 2019 NJCAA Player of the Year and Panhandle Player of the Year (with 14 HRs, a .530 batting average, and 66 stolen bases), Figueroa underscored the importance of passion and playing for the love of the game. She discussed the differences in the recruiting process in Argentina, comparing it to her experiences in the U.S. Her commitment to the sport and her belief in its power to bring joy and camaraderie shone through, offering young athletes a valuable reminder to keep their love for the game alive.

Kevin Shelton (Leader of Texas Glory) – Building a Culture of Character and Competition

Kevin Shelton, leader of the Texas Glory organization with over 100 teams, shared his insights into building and maintaining a successful team culture. With three terms on the NFCA Board of Directors and years of service to the softball community, Shelton emphasized fostering internal competition and prioritizing character development within Texas Glory. He highlighted the organization’s focus on supporting players’ growth on and off the field, explaining how internal competition helps Texas Glory stand out as one of the nation’s top programs. Shelton’s advice to young players centers on the importance of hard work, self-discipline, and commitment to team culture. For a closer look, check out Texas Glory’s full team spotlight.

Looking Ahead: Lessons in Growth and Perseverance

This month’s Voices From the Field series highlighted the dedication, resilience, and intentional approaches that make these players and coaches stand out. From Hames’s emphasis on focus to Figueroa’s passion for the sport, each story provides a blueprint for success. As young athletes continue to navigate their recruiting journeys, embracing these lessons can be the key to future achievements on and off the field.

Stay tuned for more insights, inspiration, and success stories as Voices From the Field continues to bring you perspectives from the world of fastpitch softball!

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