BOAZ, Ala. – When recruiting, Snead State Softball Head Coach Tracy Grindrod said he looks for student-athletes that are committed to playing at their highest level at all times, putting the team above themselves and striving to positively contribute to the team's success at every opportunity.
Thirteen recruits have met those standards and, surrounded by friends and family, they recently signed scholarships to join the Lady Parsons in 2024.
A signing event was held inside Fielder Auditorium at the Story Administration Building. Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore spoke briefly to the recruits and their families before Grindrod delivered his remarks on Snead State's championship culture.
"To become a champion, you need to dream about what you want to become, achieve and accomplish," Grindrod said. "Commit to a mission… Face your weaknesses. Write your goals down and re-read them often. Passion-driven goals are the best.
"Have a plan for every workout or practice – the saying goes: 'if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.' One of the common traits of the most successful people in the world is that they have a plan. Keep a log or a journal. Writing down what you experience and what you do will keep your focus… Build a supportive social network. People that we hang out and live with have a great influence on ourselves. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial. Have a lifestyle that supports your goals. Trying to become an elite athlete requires sacrifices.
"Quality before quantity. Working hard is important, there is no question there. Working smart is much more important than working hard. It's better to have two excellent workouts than five lousy ones. Become highly self-disciplined. Self-discipline is the magic power that makes you virtually unstoppable. Visualize success. Take control of your little voice. Negative self-talk can be very destructive. Being positive is a common characteristic of highly successful people. Beware of the 'Me-Monster!' A 'Me-Monster' is someone who is completely self-absorbed."
Members of Snead State Softball's 2024 Recruiting Class include:
- Kylee Dunn, of Hubberville
- Jalyn Hannah, of Sardis
- Kailey Hyatt, of Hazel Green
- Ivy Marsh, of Guntersville
- Brooke Mathewson, of Hillcrest
- Amber Newman, of Hewitt-Trussville
- Makayla Owen, of Sylvania
- Keilei Pearson, of New Hope
- Brinlee Phillips, of West Point
- Brynlee Silletti, of Sparkman
- Kylie Stracener, of Cullman
- Macayla Wilkins, of West Point
- Lola Wood, of J.B. Pennington
A reception was held in the commons area following the signing event.