Austin grad Sydney Murphy has always been drawn to softball, and now she’s found an even greater appreciation for the game she loves.

When she was growing up, Murphy would often play back yard softball with the neighborhood kids and she also spent plenty of time practicing in that back yard. But when Murphy started attending school at UW-La Crosse this year, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to try out for the softball team. Murphy, who was a four-year varsity softball player for the Austin Packers, was skeptical if she could make the team. Even if she did make the roster, Murphy didn’t think she’d be playing much for the Eagles as a freshman.

Eventually, Murphy decided to try out for the team and she’s glad she did.

“I knew I would regret it if I didn’t try out. I figured I’d give it a shot,” Murphy said. “I was really nervous and I didn’t know if I would make it or not.”

Murphy’s courage paid off for her as she not only made the team at UWL, she’s also earned the starting third baseman spot. Murphy leads the Eagles (19-12 overall) with a .393 batting average to go along with her 22 RBIs, and a .935 fielding percentage.

While she’s had a lot of early success, Murphy is still pushing herself to be the best player she can be.

“I get mad at myself when I don’t do very well, but then I have to remind myself that I’m a freshman and I’m playing with people that are so much older than me,” Murphy said.

When she was at AHS, Murphy competed in soccer and basketball, but she’s enjoyed focusing on softball — which has always been her favorite sport. Murphy plans on playing for UWL for all four of her years in college and having success with the team has helped build her overall confidence.

“It raises my confidence in the classroom and other settings in life as well,” she said. “It’s more difficult [to play at the college level], but if you manage your time well you can succeed in both school and sports.”

Murphy said the softball team at UWL is very welcoming and being on the squad helped her get a acquainted with her new school. As a player, she’s been able to focus on the smaller mechanics of hitting to become a better hitter.

When Murphy’s on the softball diamond, she’s always focused on competing but she also finds time to pick up a few other lessons on the way as well.

“I like softball way more than every other sport,” Murphy said. “You can have a bad day, but your teammates can pick you up. It’s filled with failure, but it teaches you that its OK to fail as long as you learn from it.”

The Eagles have six games remaining in the regular season. The WIAC championships will begin May 6.