From Sept. 18 to 20, junior Brooklynn Hagerty and her family traveled to Austin, Texas to visit the University of Texas. The school is known for its strong programs in business, engineering and computer science. Along with academics, the school offers a variety of sports, including basketball, football, golf, swimming and diving, baseball and softball.

Before visiting Texas, Hagerty had other colleges in mind.

“Growing up, I was born and raised to love Purdue,” Hagerty said. “Then, throughout my softball career, I’ve been fortunate to visit many college campuses while attending camps. Some of my favorites include Ole Miss, California Berkeley, Oregon, Clemson and Tennessee.”

Originally, Texas was never on Hagerty’s radar until she caught their eye playing at a softball tournament in California.

“A relationship blossomed from that game,” Hagerty said. “They wanted me at their camp in Texas the following weekend, and since then, they have been a top choice for me. I accepted official visits to California Berkeley, Ole Miss, Texas and Purdue, but after I got on campus in Austin, I knew that was where I belonged.”

Hagerty chose to commit to Texas because of the culture, work ethic and the city allows her to step out of her comfort zone.

“It takes a special kind of person and athlete to attend UT, participate in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and perform on such a big stage,” Hagerty said. “I’m a business major, so earning a degree from the McCombs School of Business would be amazing. Also, in all areas of my official visit, I was surrounded by successful, strong, independent women who love the game, each other and performing at the highest level. I’m ready to be a part of that.”

While some attend college for its popularity, good reputation or proximity to home, Hagerty chose it for other reasons.

“While on my official visit, being in Austin, in that atmosphere, where everyone around you is great at what they do, that is when I knew I wanted to commit to Texas,” Hagerty said. “Being around greatness not only makes you a better athlete, but a better person. Everyone there is successful in their own way and is always looking for ways to better those around them. It’s a privilege to have the University of Texas across my chest, and it’s not something I take for granted.”

Hagerty has been playing softball since she was around seven years old, and officially started pitching at the age of ten. Hagerty started playing due to her family’s love of sports.

“I grew up going to MLB baseball games, including the historic Game 6 of the St. Louis Cardinals World Series in 2011,” Hagerty said. “I originally started by playing baseball for a year when I was five years old, then my parents registered me for our local Cherub Softball League. From that point, it just stuck with me throughout my life.”

Throughout Hagerty’s softball journey, she’s experienced different challenges. Some challenges include minor ones, like fixing mechanics, to more major ones, like battling injuries. During last year’s season, Hagerty experienced a herniated disc in her neck, which caused her significant pain while pitching. Her travel ball coach then connected her with Dr. Brett Winchester in St. Louis, who she considers her “miracle worker.”

“After a series of visits with him, I was back on the field pitching better than I ever had in my career,” Hagerty said. “That experience taught me that no matter the challenge, I can overcome anything. It was worth it because it has made me the person and player I am today. I wouldn’t trade any of the opportunities or the people I have gained in my life, because of that, for anything.”

Along with all the challenges Hagerty has faced, she has also had many people who have inspired and motivated her to become the young woman she is today.

“My travel coaches, pitching coaches, hitting coaches and trainers were, of course, a big part of that, but my mom especially,” Hagerty said. “She didn’t play softball, but always inspired me to be a good person and work hard. Her philosophy was to never let anyone outwork you, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something. She is the kind of person who inspires me to chase my dreams.”