Most people don't earn a college athletic scholarship, and an even smaller group gets that opportunity before high school even begins. Austin Bowie 2021 softball player Abbey Smith is one of them, as evident by her eighth grade commitment to Auburn University.
"I really liked their coaching staff," Smith said of her future program. "And although they've changed, the old coach had an impact on it."
Smith said her recruiting really heated up in the seventh grade, and offers followed her trips to camps. Even though Auburn was out of state, it was an appealing opportunity.
"It's a really nice experience," Smith said of the official visit. "Being able to see what's around the school...because I know I'm going there for not just softball."
It sold the outfielder, who also found the right comfort and academic fit at the 163 year old campus.
"I really liked how the campus was compact," she said. "And they really have a big effort to make sure that everyone does good on grades."
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