A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Makayla Ferrari

Makayla-FerrariWith her recent and exciting verbal commitment to Indiana University for softball, Valparaiso High School junior Makayla Ferrari has been the talk of the town. Though Kayla’s softball accomplishments are certainly worth discussing, there are a multitude of other things that also make Kayla the well-rounded, successful individual she is today.

As a child, Kayla began with the typical ballet and tap classes. After driving past a karate studio, however, Kayla begged her parents to let her do karate. Little did they know, their daughter would not only earn her black belt but finish third overall in the World’s Competition at the age of eight. Kayla was also named triple crown and all-state, competing in weapons, form, and sparring. Karate, however, was only the beginning.

From third to fifth grade, Kayla played softball in recreational leagues, getting a feel for the sport. With sixth grade came her joining of the travel team Phoenix. Traveling as far as Colorado for tournaments, Kayla spent seven years perfecting her game. She also balanced volleyball, basketball and track through middle school. Running the 100m, 200m, and 4 x 100m as well as competing in high jump, Kayla’s speed was used on not only the softball field but the track as well. By seventh grade, she had run a 12.4 second 100m, earning her the record for Benjamin Franklin. Jumping 5 foot 2 inches also earned her the high jump record.

With the end of middle school came a new intensity for sports. Her softball coach at the time was emphasizing that now was the time to focus on college softball as a goal. Kayla had been playing both travel and middle school softball and volleyball with her best friend, Sydney Hite. Unfortunately with Kayla’s decision to focus on softball, her friendship with Sydney would have to become an off the court one. Sacrifices were not a foreign thing for Kayla though. “I had to work extra hard at everything, whether it was staying after practices to lift or studying more in school to get the A. I have definitely had to miss some social events, but I have to remind myself hard work pays off. Everything was worth it,” explained Kayla.

As a freshman at Valparaiso High School, Kayla played JV volleyball and varsity softball. Kayla made a huge impact on the softball team, being named MVP, team batting champ, all-conference, all-area, all-district, all-state honorable mention for softball.

Valparaiso High School’s head softball coach Tracy Corneil said, “Makayla is an amazing person and student-athlete. She also has a tremendous work ethic. I am really proud of everything she has achieved, and I can hardly wait to see what the future brings.”

Sophomore year, she competed with the Valparaiso Varsity Volleyball team that made it to semi-state and she was again named all-conference for softball. She also joined the New Lenox Lightning, a travel softball team that she still competes for today. Her team finished ninth out of 187 teams at the ASA Gold Nationals 16U in Chattanooga this summer.

Clearly sports are Kayla’s passion as she expressed, “There is nothing better than getting a game-saving catch or a walk-off home run to win the game. Sports have become addicting.”

On top of her success on the field, Kayla maintains a 4.1 GPA taking honors classes.

With a number of softball accomplishments under her belt, Kayla continued to consider where her future would take her. Indiana University, University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Georgia Tech were all on her mind. She was certainly on the minds of college coaches as well. After attending camps at Indiana University, an offer was made.

“The day I committed to IU was the happiest day of my life. Not only was I so excited, but I also was very relieved to be done with the recruiting process. I still get pumped every time I talk about IU,” said Kayla.

Indiana University was everything she could have dreamed for. It was close to home, district one, and also in the Big 10. Family, friends, and coaches all shared in her excitement.

“My parents are my biggest influences. They have come to every single one of my games and helped me through the recruiting process immensely. Lightning coaches, Jim Abbott and John McKendry, also really helped make IU a possibility, “ continued Kayla, “My grandpa is definitely my biggest supporter, though. He has come to every single home game I have ever had, no matter what the sport.”

All in all, there is no arguing that Kayla Ferrari has an impressive number of accomplishments under her belt. The future is bright for this outgoing athlete, not only on the softball field in Bloomington, but also beyond.