Earning the chance to play a sport in college takes more than just talent. It requires discipline, resilience, and years of dedication both on and off the field. For many high school athletes, balancing academics, training, and the demands of the recruiting process can be a difficult feat. Still, those who stick with it often find that the reward is well worth the effort.
Senior Mikayla Creighton recently committed to Colby-Sawyer College, where she will continue her athletic journey as a member of the Division III Chargers softball team. Although Creighton only started playing the sport four years ago, her quick rise to excellence reflects her commitment, work ethic, and passion for the game. What began as a low-stakes high school activity has now led to a new and exciting chapter in her life.
Many athletes who make it to the collegiate level of competition have spent most of their lives working at their sport, but Creighton is a prime example of how hard work and dedication can take one farther than they may expect.
Creighton had been looking for something new to do during the spring season of her freshman year, which is when her friend–and now fellow senior captain–Anya Gesin introduced her to softball.
“I began pretty late, I started my freshmen year due to my friend Anya Gesin who has played softball her whole life. I wanted to try something new for the spring and I was on the fence about softball but [Anya] pushed me towards trying out, and she even taught me all the basic skills,” Creighton said. “I then went on to play for a club team out of Westford […] and that was where my love for the game grew stronger.”
During her time in club and high school softball, it became clear to Creighton that when good coaching is paired with hard work, any talent can be turned into something exceptional.
However, the impact of softball on Creighton’s life extends beyond its effect on her athletic abilities. Not only did this sport help shape Creighton as an athlete, but she also feels as though it shaped her as a person.
“I personally really have loved my high school experience. I’ve made some of my dearest friends due to high school ball and I’ve been so supported by the coaches I’ve had; not only on the field but off the field as well,” Creighton said. “This opportunity has taught me so many life lessons such as responsibility, time management, defeat, leadership, and how important dependability is.”
Softball certainly played a role in the college decision process, yet Creighton knew that even if she was not playing softball, Colby-Sawyer would still be where she would truly thrive for the next four years.
“I always wanted to be in a small school which is what Colby-Sawyer is. I wanted to be able to have that personal connection with my teachers and fully get the education I need,” Creighton said. “But overall the coach really implied that she cares about me as a student and person because she understands softball is not our whole lives and we won’t be playing forever. She does want us to do well on the field but it was nice to see she is going to be supporting us off the field as well.”
Westford Academy Softball Head Coach Gina Mustoe has had the privilege of watching Creighton go from being completely new to the sport in her freshman year to becoming a strong and independent leader for everyone on the team.
“As a freshman and sophomore, Mikayla was a valuable member of the JV team. She was a leader on and off the bench who learned the sport as a freshman player,” Mustoe said. “She has empathy and first-hand understanding [about] being newer to the sport.”
Mustoe noticed from day one that Creighton had a special work ethic that was going to take her far. She is very optimistic that Creighton will have a positive impact on the Colby-Sawyer softball program just like she has had for WA.
“I am extremely excited and proud of Mikayla for making this commitment,” Mustoe said. ”If she continues to do the work off season and just be her positive self, she will be a valuable asset for the Colby-Sawyer program.”
As Creighton looks ahead to her future on the field and in the classroom, she hopes other players who are just starting out know that progress takes patience and belief.
“Honestly it’s so cliche but […] believe in yourself,” Creighton said. “Not every game or practice is going to be rainbows and sunshine so being able to use that to push you into improving instead of giving up is what’s going to make you play at the next level.”
