Malison

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Gymnastics encourages me to personally do my best and compete within myself. Softball teaches me to be a leader within a group. Both sports bring a lot of fun and hard work that pays off through tournaments and meets. The friendships I make are priceless. I get to be around a lot of encouraging families who believe in their daughters, including me. The opportunities these sports create for me and my family are very memorable.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Bella on my last softball team was always happy, excited & super encouraging to her teammates. She inspired me to be grateful that even though we may have lost, we had great opportunities to make friends, memories and play our favorite sport. Bella taught me about finding the positive in tough situations. She was always fun to warm the bench with. I brought that positivity with me to gymnastics meets - even if I didn't score as high as I worked toward, I still had an amazing experience.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Malison's perseverance & humility. She isn't a showoff but does showcase her abilities. She learned long ago that the only thing holding her back is herself. She is very focused in her craft - whether it's gymnastics or softball. When she is presented with a task or goal she works hard on the field, in the gym and at home to be successful. She is an achiever and perfectionist but never hard on herself or others.