On November 21, Danicah Tobin, ‘26 announced her commitment to Eastern Illinois University and their softball program.
“I felt very confident in my choice. There are a lot of support systems on the academic and athletic side and I’m super thankful to be able to have this opportunity. I had a couple more offers from other schools and there was interest from schools, but I just thought the time was right and I got a great offer from a great school,” described Tobin.
There are a lot of details that go into a recruitment process and Tobin felt them first-hand.
“The recruitment process was really hard. There was a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff and not just trying to play well in front of colleges to see if they would notice you it was a lot of contacting, emails, camps, etc. l initially wanted to wait until early next summer to see what I could do. But once I got to Eastern I just fell in love with it, that’s why I decided my junior year and not my senior,” explained Tobin.
Committing to a university in your junior year is not a common practice and Tobin understands this.
“Yes, I have mixed emotions about thinking about college softball so early into my junior year. But finally committing just takes all of the weight off of your shoulders
Now with all of the recruitment items out of the way, Tobin can focus on her high school career more attentively, narrowing in on how she can improve from here.
I plan to prepare from high school softball to college with a lot of hard work because now, it’s just the beginning,” stated Tobin
With focusing on high school softball more attentively comes plans and goals for the upcoming season.
“The plans for this school ball season is just building that team culture because once we gain more trust in each other it will benefit us on the field. I’m approaching this season with high hopes for our softball team, and I believe we can make it far,” said Tobin.
Tobin’s teammates and coaches view her as a leader on the field and have repaid her by supporting her throughout this tough process.
“My coaches and teammates have supported me through this process in just overall believing in me and knowing what I could do when I didn’t. I’m very lucky to have them in my corner,” exclaimed Tobin.
Tobin is currently facing the struggles of being a student-athlete during what some argue is the hardest year of high school, junior year.
“I’m currently balancing by just trying to stay on top of work, and just making time to get stuff done. It honestly has been hard so far, but once I fully get used to it, it’ll be fine,” described Tobin.
“Without God, none of this would be possible. God has a plan for you, but to get there you have to work hard and meet Him in the middle,” said Tobin.
