Three Up, Three Down - Part II

Get to know UCF Softball newcomers Kennedy Searcy, Emmerson Lee and Angelina DeVoe as they each give their own thoughts and answers to the three questions below. What made you fall in love with softball and when did you first know you were good enough to play collegiately?Kennedy Searcy: I was about five years old when I started playing. I tried other sports, but when it came down to it, I had the most fun when I played softball. It is an indescribable feeling I get when I step on the field. In the beginning, I just liked it because it was the thing that made me happy, it was where I had the most fun, and where I made so many friends. As I got older though, my passion for it grew. It wasn't just about the fact that it was fun, it was my drive for the competition. I think I knew I was good enough to play collegiately from the beginning. Everyone would always tell me I was a special player, super athletic, and I made it look easy. As I continued to grow and fully learn the game, more and more people started noticing me. Every tournament I played in, the teams I played against knew who I was. I would get played against, pitched to, and challenged differently than everyone else, but it never phased me. It gave me the drive to be better. It made me work even harder to get to where I am today, and I am beyond blessed to start my new journey as a Knight!
 
Emmerson Lee: Softball has always been a huge part of my life since I was six. I knew from when I first picked up my bat and glove that I loved this sport. My dream growing up was to play at the collegiate level and to get to the next level with the game I love. I think going into freshman year of high school was when I really thought to myself 'wow, I am good enough to play at the next level,' and from that point on, I knew that I had to keep working and just keep getting better.
 
Angelina DeVoe: I fell in love with the way softball challenges me. You could do so many things right and succeed so many times, but you don't ever stop learning. I love the way it constantly forces me to evolve and grow as a player and as a person. As I grew older, I realized I was learning so much not only about the game, but how I can apply it to my real life. I have learned how to compete, how to fail, how to set goals and how to achieve them, and how to persevere through every obstacle in life. When I got to middle school, I realized I was capable of reaching the next level if I worked hard enough. In the sixth grade, it was more of just a crazy, hopeful dream. But soon after that, I realized I was playing in top organizations, surrounded by the best girls in the country and for the best coaches. The level at which I was playing would soon feed me into the level I wanted to achieve. When I realized that, I knew the grind would never stop and I would reach the collegiate level because I was capable and determined.
 How have your first few months of life on campus been different than high school?Kennedy Searcy: My first few months on campus have been different from high school in many aspects. For one, I'm on my own, living in a dorm with three of my teammates. We're shopping, cooking, and making decisions for ourselves. It's all about time management, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, getting enough sleep, eating enough throughout the day and eating the right things. The best thing about all of it is the comfort in having a second family. This team is one like no other. We can connect with each other, whether it be struggling with school, not performing well on the field, or just life in general. No matter what, you have someone. You have so many people who care, who know the struggles of being a student-athlete in college, who want to push you and see you succeed. I've grown so much in just a few months, learned so many things, and met some new amazing, lifechanging people. My life looks different now, but it's a good different and I'm grateful for it.
 
Emmerson Lee: My first few months of life on campus have been really great. Due to COVID, there are many things that we aren't allowed to do, but we have been making the most of what we can do so it's all a good time, it's very different from high school, especially with everything being online, it's just a different environment to be around. On the softball side, I LOVE it! It's a second family and it's only been a few months, but we have really gotten close as a team and it's just always a great time when we are around each other. Here at UCF, it's a family and a different connection.
 
Angelina DeVoe: For me so far, college and being on campus is definitely a much cooler experience than high school. It has made me so much more responsible and it has been a lot of fun. Being at a much higher level with higher stakes, it is a lot more challenging. As far as softball, it is amazing to be surrounded by a whole team of women who push each other and want the same things. I love that both the academics and softball program challenge me and have already begun to develop me into the woman I want to become.
 What do you think Team XX is capable of and how do you think you can help the squad achieve its goals?Kennedy Searcy: I think Team XX is capable of so much. I see us making a huge impact this year. We have some insane talent, drive, competition, and love for the game. I believe we will definitely be breaking records this year so stay tuned. I think I can help us achieve our goals by continuing to work hard and be the player I know I can be. I will push my teammates; I will compete with them and I will make them better. I will lift them up, be there for them, and give my one hundred percent each time I step on the field, whether that be in practice or games. I'm excited for this season and I can't wait to see what Team XX is going to accomplish this year. Go Knights, Charge on!
 
Emmerson Lee: I think Team XX is capable of doing many things this season. From winning our conference to making it to the regionals, Team XX has so many great players who have so many different strengths, and if we are able to bring them together, we will be unstoppable! I want to contribute anyway I'm needed too, and I'm willing to do whatever is asked of me to make the team better.

Angelina DeVoe: Team XX is honestly capable of anything. We believe in the culture of our program and we share and live by the same values. On any given day, Team XX will compete and come together as a team to grow and succeed. We will achieve our goals by sticking to our plan and executing what this program is about. We are a strong-willed team made up of women who will push each other until we get to where we want to be. Therefore, I believe Team XX is capable of anything.