Athlete Spotlight: Piper Todd #1

SPORTS: Softball, Weight Lifting

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

I come from a big family and have 4 older brothers and one older sister. I have been very self-driven starting at an early age. I have a goal to be the first person in my family, and even extended family, to go college. I’m easily motivated by thinking of the future and how that is determined by the work I put into my life daily.

My why is because I want to enter into the health field and one day care for children, with keeping God in the front and center of everything I do. 

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

God comes first always. He’s the center of everything I do. I want to achieve great things in life and give Him all the glory. 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

Colossians 3:23

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

I chose this because I feel I work hard with my heart leading the way and for God to seek all the Glory. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

I’m most proud to have been voted VP of my school class. This vote came from many classmates who trusted that I would dedicate myself to helping better the C/O 2029, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. Athletically I’m most proud that at every level of ball - school as well as travel - I’m able to play with girls who I've seen work ahead of me for years and have looked up to and been inspired by.

Just this week, I made Varsity as a freshman and will be playing along side several committed teammates on my team. This is a huge honor for me personally. On my travel team, I play on a 16U team at the age of 14 and have been playing up against 18U for over a year now - again, something I don’t take lightly and feel blessed to be able to play against so may amazingly talented athletes! 

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

I feel my attitude, along with my work ethic, set me apart from many. I have been complimented by many high-level college coaches on the way I carry myself on and off the field. I also believe my work ethic is one of my biggest assets. I’m always looking to improve myself and become 1% better daily!

What skills are you most focused on improving?

This year’s goals include improving my arm strength, exit velocity, and working to be more explosive in the middle infield, meanwhile continuing on relationship building as well as recruiting work.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

I start my weekdays with school, which I look forward to each day. After school, I currently attend school ball practice or games five days a week. I have one hitting lesson per week, and on the other days after school I go to the gym after practice or I work on hitting, fielding, or strength and agility training at home in our softball garage. In addition, one night a week I have a call with my mental mentor, Bill Hoopes of Lead Your Journey.

On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, I’m in church, and on the weekends we have tournaments. I find time to do Bible study between my friends and me. 

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

This year is all about fine-tuning my strengths and gaining on my weaknesses. This is the year I want coaches to see the determination, and for next year, when things start to get real, I want them to see the difference I’ve made for myself. I’ve worked hard on relationship building and I hope that continues to grow and for others to maybe one day be inspired by my own journey.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

Honestly, I don’t see many challenges. I have a strong support system that I’m very proud of and blessed to have. If anything, I just wish there were more time in the day to accomplish all the things I want to do to work toward my biggest goal of becoming a D1 athlete.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

I would have to say when you’re feeling defeated, look UP! God has a plan for us all and no matter the outcome of any lesson, practice, or game, God has a plan and His is far better than anything we can imagine. Keep your head up and eyes on Him. Surround yourself with like-minded athletes and always be willing to go just a little harder than the rest.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

Right now I’m really studying Isa Torres, who has been the starting SS at FSU. My desire is not just to go to college but to play the game I love, and I’m really inspired by her. My plan is to study as much game footage as possible this season and learn and implement that into my game.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

What do you feel made the biggest impact on you committing to a major D1 school and being a starting freshman?

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

Just that I’m a very imperfect human who desires to be a better person and athlete every day. I’m committed to working hard not just for myself but with others in mind. I hope to have an impact on many lives no matter the outcome of my softball career or future.