Leah Robinson has embraced the problem of turning into a university softball participant. That’s no small job for a 14-year-old woman.
The Brentwood, Tenn., native has spent the final three journey ball seasons enjoying “up” an age group for a Fury Premier crew competing on a nationwide stage. Now, this spring, Robinson is within the distinctive place of enjoying highschool softball whereas nonetheless simply an eighth grader at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville.
“It’s actually enjoyable truly. I get to fulfill a variety of new mates, upperclassmen, some I’ve performed with earlier than,” mentioned Robinson, who’s leveling up as a 3rd baseman – a place she is studying on the fly. “It’s not that I’m afraid of the ball however I used to be scared the ball would come at me. I’ve grown extra snug getting a lot follow this final month or two. I’m extra ready than I was.”
Robinson, who will graduate with the Class of 2028, prefers enjoying outfield however can now confidently checklist herself as a nook infielder. The moniker will journey ahead along with her as she visits faculty campuses whereas on the recruiting path.
The top of that journey continues to be far off within the distance. Robinson understands that by means of the steering of her mom, Leslie (Barron) Robinson, who began her collegiate softball profession at LSU earlier than having fun with a profitable profession on the College of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“My dream faculty is Clemson. I really like their softball program. I’ve been to camps there. I’ve been to video games. I’ve grown to like their softball program and coach (John) Rittman,” she mentioned.
There are different applications Robinson has curiosity in, together with the place her mom’s profession began.
“I really like LSU however mother is just not making me go to LSU. It might be enjoyable to play the place she performed however I don’t wish to take her footsteps. She doesn’t need me to really feel I’ve to play there,” mentioned the well-rounded teenager.
Softball is on the forefront of her life as soon as once more following her personal grade stage volleyball and basketball seasons at her college. Again on the diamond now, she returns to being the youngest participant on roster.
“I really like being the youngest actually. I’m at all times trying as much as individuals. I like having older mates. They’ll train me much more. They’ve been by means of what I’m going by means of. It’s good understanding I can ask them for assist,” she defined.
That consciousness has grown as a member of Fury Premier 2027 coached by Leslie Robinson, who has seen her daughter flourish in opposition to older competitors.
“Leah is a strong defender enjoying outfield. She reads the ball properly, covers a variety of floor, and may make many fly ball catches look straightforward. She can be a vocal chief each on the sphere and within the dugout,” said coach Robinson.
On the plate, Leah has not been overpowered by older pitchers.
“I’m undoubtedly an influence hitter. I search for center away. I do like inside, although. Truthfully, these are those I hit the toughest. However with outdoors pitches, I attempt to hit the right-centerfield hole,” she mentioned.
Within the fall, Robinson was chosen to the Ray Seymour All-Event Group after hitting .364 and main Fury Premier in RBI. Robinson’s squad had a pair of wins over nationally-related 2028 groups.
Fury Premier flourished on the Scenic Metropolis occasion in Chattanooga, ending 5-0. Robinson hit .571 for the weekend with an on-base share of .667.
That’s a far cry from her earliest days of softball as a Diamond Diva.
“I performed with my neighbor and my cousin. My mother was the coach. We wore shorts however they have been lengthy like pants. I bear in mind getting a sport ball and I used to be so excited. I nonetheless have that ball,” she mentioned.
Quick ahead years later to the preseason scrimmage forward of her first varsity season the place she made an impression.
“I hit a house run. That was so enjoyable. It was actually cool,” she mentioned.
As soon as her first highschool season involves an finish, Robinson appears to be like ahead to hitting the street once more to occasions in Florida, Georgia, Colorado and California along with her Fury Premier teammates.
“I’ve a number of new teammates. I’m trying ahead to enjoying with them,” she mentioned.
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