Right now is an exciting time – and likely a nervous time too – for high school seniors across the country as they end one period of their lives and get ready to embark on the next chapter, whatever that may be.

For many softball players, it will be transitioning from high school to club ball soon and, for the fortunate ones, then on to college to play at that level.

We asked one of the top senior players in the country, pitcher/infielder Gia Rodoni who attends Pancheco High in Los Banos, Calif. and plays for the California Grapettes, what her thoughts are on this time of her life.

The NorCal senior is rated as the No. 21 player in the 2015 Hot 100 and has signed with Baylor. A standout pitcher who throws in the mid-60’s, she was a 2^nd Team All-State honoree by CalHiSports.com last season and this year is doing great again, compiling a 0.56 ERA and 214 K’s in 99 1/3^rd innings so far.

Here is what Gia has to say…

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As many seniors know, we’re in the homestretch of our high school season.

It’s a season full of ups and downs, with mixed emotions.  I had an opportunity to graduate in December and report to Baylor early, but opted to stay for my senior season to honor a promise I made to our principal who passed away last year.

Every time I take the circle, I do it in his memory.

The first promise I made was to help the team make it to playoffs for the first time in school history, which happened last season.  Because of the 30-day transfer rule, I was forced to sit the first half of the season.  Once I was able to take the field, I had a goal and purpose.  This season, we’ve already clinched our return to the playoffs.

My second promise would be to win league and go deep into playoffs.  We’re currently tied for first and we’ll face that team Thursday, April 30 for our final league game.  So, as of right now I am just taking it all in and enjoying these last few weeks.

Dependent upon where you live, your high school league and team ability, club ball practice can be a welcome distraction and reminder of why you play.

I am blessed to have an amazing club staff with Dennis Gomes, Kim Fabian and Paul Hackbarth of the California Grapettes.  While we currently practice every other weekend, I truly look forward to seeing my coaches and teammates.

It’s a time that I can de-stress from the expectations of high school ball and refocus on preparing for summer travel and college.  I think this last travel season will be bittersweet.

I’ve spent the better part of four years playing Gold level and watching the seniors each year graduate and move on.  Now, I am that senior and it’s surreal.  I’m not the “toddler” anymore, but I am looking forward to passing that leadership torch on to the new “babies” of the team.

I do find myself frequently thinking about how different things would have been had I graduated early.

I watch and record every Baylor game I can and find myself wishing I was there.  Wondering what challenges or success I may have faced.  Missing the opportunity to face batters like Lauren Chamberlain who would challenge me pitch by pitch.

There are so many things that run through your mind when you realize your dreams of playing collegiate softball are mere months away. I am excited for the next chapter in my life.

God continues to shine brightly on my path and what an honor to play for His glory.  One of my favorite scriptures is: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

My prayer for all those seniors thinking about their last year and what their future may hold would be to cherish every moment

God blesses you with gifts — use the ones you’ve been blessed with to make a positive impact on those around you!

Gia