Rikki Hunter, a softball sensation.

MaxPreps Student Section

Thirteen years ago, Rikki Hunter might have guessed she would be playing softball in college. She fell in love with the sport in kindergarten and couldn't stop playing.

In high school, Rikki was very dedicated to sports. She played softball and basketball, which pretty much took up all her time. Her favorite part of playing softball in high school was "knowing all the girls I played with. We played together for so long; we all knew everyone's strengths and weaknesses". One of her high school coaches said that "Each coach had a different style of teaching, and I learned a lot from each one of them. I believe they prepared me for college softball". The time she didn't spend at practice went to her school work and student organizations. Rikki was the 2010 Class Salutatorian and also a class officer. She was an all-around great addition to Nowata (Nowata, Okla.) High School.

Rikki received a scholarship to play softball at Independence Community College. She stated that the biggest difference between high school and college softball is the serious level of play. "It's softball all year round. When we are not playing games in the winter we lift, run, and go to our indoor facility and hit", said Hunter. She really enjoys playing college ball because of all the talented girls.

Not only did Rikki have to learn the material in her college courses, but she also had to learn all about a new softball position. In high school, Rikki played shortstop. Now, she is playing third base. "I had to learn everything about that position like what stance I needed to be in, how close I need to be to home plate and the base, and I also had to learn how to throw the ball from third to first since I was use to shortstop", stated Hunter on her position change. She also said that she has improved tremendously since high school.

After college, Rikki plans to become an accountant and to stay involved in softball. Whether it is coaching or slow-pitch, softball will always be a part of her. You can take the girl out of the game, but you can't take the game out of the girl.