Goshen Ind.–Bethel pitcher Natalie Newell has definitely grown as a softball player since she started 12 years ago.
When Newell was in 3rd grade her mom got a call from Goshen Little League saying they needed more players and asked if her two daughters wanted to join. Her mom made her start at first but from then on Newell had a love for softball.
In high school she played for the softball team. She had always thought about playing basketball but decided that she wanted to focus on softball and academics. She also thought about going to a big name college so she could play against some of the best girl players but decided to go to Bethel because of her strong faith and her love for softball.
Now she is a junior in college and a top ranked offensive and defensive player. She has learned to have fun and enjoy her teammates. During the season she practices every day, and on the off season she practices 2-4 times a week for up to 2 hours. She still has a love for the sport and stated, “Softball isn’t something I have to do. It’s something I get to do.”