Sports Union April 2019 | Page 27

week is Tuesday because I am at the Psychiatric Cen- ter all day, but it has been such a great experience so far. I have been going for about six weeks and I am learning a lot of things. It is also helping me learn what I may want to do in my fu- ture. My major is Psycholo- gy/Pre-Med so having this opportunity to shadow psy- chologists at a Psychiatric Center is such a good way to learn what I may want to do in the future and what things I may not want to do,” explained Bowen. “It is definitely different from be- ing an athlete in high school because we practice in the morning so the first cou- ple weeks of preseason can be challenging. But I think it actually helps me to get the work I need to do done in between classes because when I am done for the day I am almost ready for bed. Being an athlete definite- ly keeps me busy and has taught me time manage- ment especially when we start to get into the heart of our season and traveling a lot more. You have to be on top of things and it can be stressful at times but I am learning valuable skills for my future.” The future is bright for this young lady from Bata- via. She stepped right in last year and took command of playing an important posi- tion like shortstop. Bowen didn’t allow her freshman nerves get in the way. If she made a bad play then she would just shake it off and move on to the next one. It’s what made her the type of player she is today. Bowen knew all eyes would be on her, especially taking over for a senior. “Any position on the soft- ball diamond is important, and I told myself that I just had to keep a positive mind- set no matter what. Softball is a mental game and if I let it get to me I knew things would not go well,” stated Bowen. “For example, if I made an error I would tell myself it’s okay, I’ll get the next one and let it go. Over- all, I had a lot of fun on the field and it really helped my confidence grow through- out the season.” This season will be a different one for Bowen. While she played mostly at short as a freshman, Bowen this year will be used more in a utility role. The coaches want to make sure her bat will be in the lineup. With that, there will be days she could play short, second or even the outfield. It will be a different mind- set but one that she will en- joy, and take to heart. “It definitely is a different mindset from last year be- cause I would always men- tally prepare myself for each game the same so now I have to mentally prepare for anything and be able to roll with it. I think it’ll keep me on my toes and help me stay mentally strong throughout each game,” stated Bowen. “ I just have to be ready to APRIL 2019 | SportsUnion play no matter the circum- stances and give my best effort in the position I am playing. I also have to tell myself to stay positive no matter what. Any mistake made is just something for me to learn and grow from to become a better player. I have been learning a lot in preseason and I know I will learn even more as the sea- son progresses.” The mental aspect of the game is such an import- ant one, and one that Bow- en doesn’t take for grant it. Maybe it’s because of her major, who knows. but Bowen is ready to prove to people that last year wasn’t a fluke. A lot of athletes go through a sophomore slump - Bow- en is hoping she isn’t one 27 of them. She has prepared herself to build of the suc- cess of last season. With last season in the rear view mir- rors, Bowen know is ready for what 2019 has to bring. “Mental toughness. I have just been telling myself that I play softball to have fun and I’m just going to have fun each game and com- pete. There will be mistakes and tough games but I will just have to keep that posi- tive mindset and keep my head up,” stated Bowen. “Positivity is key and as I learned from last year. If I struck out or made an error I just had to learn from it, move on, and stay positive. My goals for this season are to just have fun, stay posi- tive, and make the most of the season.”