“The day I walked in the door and saw a big envelope on my counter I screamed,” remembers Casey Stangel, the talented freshman at the Univ. of Missouri. “I didn’t even have to know whom it was from, I knew it was my National Letter of Intent.”

In honor of the Early Signing Period, we asked Casey to look back a year ago to here signing experience and share her memories and insights.

Casey had one of the most prolific high school and club careers in recent memory prior to her 2013 graduation. She was the MaxPreps National Player of the Year after leading her Lake City, Idaho team to a second straight Class 5A state title. The 5-foot-10 lefty pitcher/outfielder went 28-0, but she’s not just a threat in the circle—she also batted .640 and had 16 homers—and had a great summer playing for Explosion.

One of the most energetic, hard-working and passionate people you’ll meet on and off the field, we’re excited to get her perspective of softball life. For more background info, here’s a link to an earlier story we did titled Casey has a plan

In her latest blog, she talks about her signing experience and says to those fortunate enough to do that this week: “Welcome to the greatest experience you will ever have, and keep working hard, it is only just the beginning.”

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

 

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Signing day was one of the biggest days of my life.

It was the day that all of my dreams that I had my whole life would become real. As a player, you work so hard every day of your career for the dream of playing college softball. You go through the whole recruiting process, which is stressful and exhausting.

That being said, it is one of the most exciting times you’ll go through in your life!

Taking visits, filling out questionnaires, talking to coaches; all to find your dream school—that one place where you step on campus and you feel like you belong.

The place where you get the chills picturing yourself out there on the field. It is your new home, and it is where you will have the greatest memories of your life.

The day I walked in the door and saw a big envelope on my counter I screamed. I didn’t even have to know whom it was from, I knew it was my National Letter of Intent.

The very next day was my signing at school where I was surrounded by friends, family, coaches, and teachers who had all been huge support systems to me through my softball career.

It was so special to have them all there by my side as I signed the papers to my future that I had been working for my whole life.

After it was official, I had a smile that would not go away. I was officially a Missouri Tiger, and it was one of the greatest days of my life thus far.

Congratulations to everyone who has signed this last week, and to everyone else signing this upcoming year.

Welcome to the greatest experience you will ever have, and keep working hard, it is only just the beginning.

–Casey