Personal Statement

What I love about softball.... The adrenaline rush when it's a close game. I love the feeling when you hit the ball perfectly, or get a batter to whiff your change-up on strike three, or making the diving catch in the outfield you've been dreaming of. I love the bonds you form with your team and coaches. I love no matter what position you play, or what skill level you're at, you'll get better if you practice.

My goal is to go to a high academic college and get the best education I can.  My Dad played football and baseball for Rice, and our family continues to benefit from his being a student-athlete at one of the best schools in Texas. I want to do the same thing -- play softball for my school and represent them on the field. I'm proud to be a student-athlete and work hard to manage my grades and softball. Keeping a balance between tough academic classes and a busy softball schedule has taught me great time-management skills. I think this will be a big help when I am in college. I want to major in pre-med and be a trauma surgeon. 

My mindset on the mound and outside of softball makes me different from other players. On the mound, I have a complete poker face. The batter can't tell how I am feeling because I don't let it show on my face or in my body language. I don't get rattled when things aren't going my way. Outside of softball, my work ethic helps me stand out in the classroom as well. I have a 3.86 GPA, taking almost all AP and honors classes. Working hard to be the best I can as a pitcher helped me get ready for high school. Lake Travis is a very competitive high school with high expectations. 

Each November, I walk 60 miles the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. I walk with Team Tiara and have to raise $2,300 each year to participate. I also work in my church's nursery every Sunday that I'm not playing in a tournament. Both of these give me the opportunity to make the world a better place and give back to my community. 

My teachers and coaches have shared how they see me as a student-athlete.

"Abbie is one of the most mature players I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching. She mixes a fearless personality with dynamic skills in the circle, which usually leads to significantly positive results. Her ability to mix speeds and hit locations makes her consistently tough to time in the box, and gives hitters rare opportunities to square up to the ball. Abbie commands all of her pitches well, and has consistent movement in all of her breaking pitches. At the plate, Abbie has the ability to hit gap to gap. She keeps a strong approach at the plate, and can occasionally hit the long ball. Abbie’s best traits are her confidence and composure. No situation is too big for her, and she handles pressure situations in ways that are beyond her years. She shows confidence in her ability to get the job done, and she is a great teammate because she is able to empower her teammates by spreading composure and confidence."

- Chris Beck, Head Softball Coach, Lake Travis High School

"Abbie’s ability to juggle the demands of a high achieving student at Lake Travis HS while participating on the Varsity level for our competitive softball team proves she has what it takes to be successful at whatever she sets her mind to. I love her ability to excel in big moments while seeming calm, cool and collected. She has an unflappable sense of confidence that will pay off for her in whatever she sets her mind to. "

- Patrick Hinson, Assistant Softball Coach, Lake Travis High School

"Abbie has been one of my favorite pitchers to do lessons with. Abbie is able to listen and make adjustments, and has improved so much in the last year. I can tell that Abbie is a competitor and she is also smart which will make her the ideal potential student athlete for college coaches."

- Rachel Reekstin, Head Softball Coach, Concordia University, and Pitching Coach

"In short, I'm writing this in recommendation of Abbie Biggs. This is a high character, strong work ethic kid. I know y'all have a lot of 'good kids.' But this one can hit, play OF and pitch. Good kid / good player."

- Chris Gaffney, Hitting Coach

"In a large, competitive school environment, Abbie’s athletic commitment and academic achievement make her stand out above her peers. She is a curious, disciplined, and critical thinker and writer. And her character in and out of the classroom is also commendable. She works hard when facing all challenges and is a positive influence on all those who know her. I would highly recommend her for any task that required intelligence and integrity."

- Lamar Schrader, Pre-AP English Teacher, Lake Travis High School

"Out of the many qualities I have seen in Abbie, these are some I would like to mention. Ms. Biggs is a very hard worker who manages her time in a very mature way and does not procrastinate. (Example: If she is going to be absent for a tournament, she takes care of her assignments before she leaves, never after.) She pays attention to details. No matter how small a change is, Abbie will notice and appreciate it. She also pays attention to others' needs and helps them by encouraging them and/or doing little things that mean a lot. She is a strong young lady who can stand by herself without losing her smile."

- Minia Lopez, Spanish Teacher, Lake Travis High School

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Abbie Biggs for a year now, and I can truly say I’m honored to be in her presence. She portrays all the qualities that make a student a role model; consistently showing progress, appreciation, respect, discipline and kindness. She plays an active role in volunteering for her community, all the while managing to excel academically and athletically. Abbie Biggs will make an outstanding addition to any softball program and university."

- Tiffany Stevenson, CTE Teacher / Health Science, Lake Travis High School

"As a former college baseball coach and current adjunct at a community college, I can confidently say that Abbie has what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at the college level. She is proactive in class, asks questions when she needs help, and always plans ahead for her softball-related absences. She is a positive role model in class, and exemplifies what it means to have success in the classroom and on the field."

- Robert Huffaker, Pre-AP Pre-Calculus Teacher, Lake Travis High School