“Learning to balance everything now will prepare me for the day I step on the University of Alabama campus and start living the life of a student-athlete,” says Kyra Lockhart, one of the top 2017 prospects in the country as she gets ready for her first year of high school ball to begin at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High in Scotch Plains, N.J.

“My days may be hectic; however, I would not trade the life I have for the world!”

In her latest blog for StudentSportsSoftball.com, the Univ. of Alabama commit walks us through a typical 17-hour day of academics, music and softball (on and off the field).

We first met Kyra, a first baseman with the Jersey Intensity, last fall at a Surf City showcase and were not only impressed with her powerful stroke on the field, but her personality and energy off of it.  When she said she loves to write, we knew she’d be another great blog writer for StudentSportsSoftball.com!

Click here to read Kyra’s earlier blogs and those from our other standout players!

Also, check out our video interview of Kyra done in early October

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On a normal weekday I wake up at 7 am to prepare for the school day. I eat breakfast and head out the door.

Once i walk into school I embark on the challenge of Honors English. My English teacher pushes every student to his or her full ability and expects a lot out of us. In English Honors we are required to read one book a week and write essays on what we read.

While I am in season English is a key subject I keep up with. During school, I enjoy every class and try to learn something new each day. For the seven hours I am in school my only focus is education; however once the bell rings at 2:00 my focus shifts.

Immediately after school my life starts to get hectic. From my last period class I rush to the band room to rehearse. While in band, I play the trombone and piano to perfect the difficult music we play.

Scotch Plains Fanwood High School holds a prestigious music program, and in order to be involved in band you must practice music as if it is a sport.

At 3:00, I then head to softball practice for my high school. As a team we practice long hours to work on fundamentals and physical conditioning. Every day at practice, we work out with the track team and then begin our softball practice.

Multi tasking during practice helps with our mental focus. Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I have learned how to kick in the extra gear.

Often at practice I find myself tired from not only conditioning but the long school day. However, I remember how imperative hard work is. Hard work produces positive outcomes so at practice I always get extra reps or more swings.

My softball practice is usually three hours long and then the team calls it quits for the day, but my day continues; from practice my parents pick me up and I head to my conditioning class. There, I work with kettlebells and work on core strength for an hour.

For hitters, not only is upper body strength important but core strength is too.

There are many areas I can improve on within my game and kettlebells help my core strength. Incorporating more core in my swing will allow me to be more successful and powerful at the plate. Working with kettlebells gives me a great workout and great edge in my game. After my conditioning I head for one more stop, the place I love spending my time; the batting cages!

The batting cages are a 30 minute cool down for me. I clear my mind of the day and work on things I feel need improvement. At the batting cages, I look to my parents for my advice and take in their input. Every night I take something away from the cages that I can work on the next day. Always keeping a goal helps me stay on task and motivated.

Knowing that I always have an opportunity to take my game to the next level is extraordinary. After the batting cage, I shift back to student mode and begin the day’s homework. From English to math to Spanish; I complete it all.

Some nights it takes hours on end. However, education is most important and without good grades there is no softball. I make sure all my work is done carefully and properly. Slacking off or not giving my all is never an option for me. By the time my homework is complete,

I usually get to bed around midnight. I get a good night sleep to prepare for the next day’s events. Life as a student athlete is no walk in the park, especially with honors classes and other extracurricular activities.

But time management is a skill that will carry me a long way. Learning to balance everything now will prepare me for the day I step on the University of Alabama campus and start living the life of a student athlete.

My days may be hectic; however, I would not trade the life I have for the world!

— Kyra