Grace Nichols

My name is Grace Nichols, and I am a 2028 recruit from Alta Loma H.S. in Rancho Cucamonga, California. I am 5’6″ and 120 pounds. I play wherever my team needs me, but I specialize in pitcher (58 mph) and outfield. Because of my high on-base percentage, I am a confident and speedy leadoff hitter. As a hard worker and conscientious student, I currently hold a 3.5 GPA. I intend to major in Health Sciences, and I am eager to pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant, as I am a considerate teammate who holds myself and my teammates to a high standard.   I’m the player who’s the first one on the field, helping to set up equipment and drills. I’m the absolute gamer that brings energy and great communication, whether it be 7 am or 7 pm with positive body language. I’m the player in the dugout shouting and cheering in the middle of games or practices, encouraging my teammates. And I’m the coachable player who’s the last one off the field, dragging the field or putting equipment away. What sets me apart from others is that I am the definition of a tough out. My teammates nicknamed me “Domino” as I always seem to find a way to get on base, whether it’s fouling off a 12-pitch at-bat to finesse a walk, hustling down the line with lightning-fast speed to force an error, or finding a spot on the grass for a hit. I rarely strike out and my high OBP reflects that.   I’ve always been a hard, dedicated worker. Even from a young age, I’ve had a desire and urge to push myself. Whether it be in school earning Honor Roll or on the softball field earning PCFL Alliance Player of the Month Awards, I’ve always wanted to challenge and push myself. I pride myself on my ability to balance nightly study sessions for academics, gym training sessions to increase strength and conditioning, and weekly pitching & hitting lessons to sharpen my skills. I also attend outfield clinics and mental toughness classes (with former UCLA pitcher Aleah Macon) to better improve all aspects of my game. Not only has my work ethic helped me earn a varsity spot as a freshman, but I also enjoy reading, traveling, hiking and volunteering my time with local children in the neighborhood giving lessons on hitting, throwing and pitching to inspire the next generation of softball players. Although I am a 2028 grad, I decided to challenge myself and play up on a 2027 So Cal Athletics Marinakis Premier team, where I am a starter and leadoff batter for a phenomenal team going to the Colorado Sparkler Supplemental Power Pool and PGF National Championships Premier.   I know you have many letters to read, and I appreciate you taking the time to learn about me. I look forward to discussing how I can complement your softball program!