Cassie Coltvet is the definition of grit. Although she started playing softball as a little girl, it wasn’t until she heard that the Elkhorn High softball team won the state championship that she became inspired. “I told myself that at some point, I wanted to win state, because when I was in eighth grade, they won, and I thought we could do that too.” She had two goals: to start on the Elkhorn softball team and to win a state championship with her team.
At first, Cassie had trouble finding a spot on one of the more of the competitive club teams in Elkhorn. “That was a tough pill to swallow. I had coaches that I tried out for, tell me that I wasn’t good enough. That was really difficult, but it taught me that I needed to work that much harder than everyone else to get my shot.” She practiced with a purpose and focused on getting in better shape, including running, CrossFit, and lifting. The persistence paid off for the 5’2” catcher, as she lettered on the varsity team as a freshman, and finally became the starting catcher when she was a junior.
Her senior season was a magical one. The dream of winning a state championship with her team came true, but the last play of the game made it extra-special. It was a little pop-up to Cassie, and she got to finish her high school softball career with the last out in the championship game. “It could not have been better.” The whole team was so excited that they all joined in on a dogpile, but she kept the ball in her glove, where it stayed for a long time after that game was over.
Cassie is also an accomplished student academically, as well as athletically. Academically, she earned All State and EMC All-Conference. Athletically, she earned 1st Team All-State for Class B, 2nd Team Super State, and 1st Team EMC All-Conference this year. She has been involved in student council, peer tutoring, and has also served as manager for the wrestling team.
Cassie feels fortunate to be able to find a home at Rockhurst University, where she signed to play softball starting next year. She hopes to someday coach high school softball so she can give other girls the same experience she had. “Taking the girls that are in your community, and making something special out of it, is really cool.”
Great story, congratulations Cassie!