High school sports are highly competitive. Playing at the next level is a dream often young athletes strive to conquer, but many won’t have the opportunities to join a program as performative as Cabot Softball.
For freshman Makaylea Walton, her dream became a reality. Playing on the varsity squad as a freshman takes serious skill, which Walton has proven she has. Even though this is only her first year on the team, her focused mindset and skillset have already become a serious asset to the team.
While the softball program here at Cabot has evolved over the years, the legacy of the town hasn’t changed on bit. For Walton, her legacy here had already started.
“I’ve lived here my entire life,” Walton said. “My parents went to Cabot High School, and my mom played on the Cabot Softball team for her 10th grade year.”
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Walton became obsessed with the sport of softball from a young age. Even though she had just started playing, her love for the sport was adamant.
“I started playing softball at 5 years old,” Walton said. “Even though I played many sports before softball, softball was the sport I loved and stayed consistent with.”
For athletes, high school sports were just the beginning of their athletic careers; however, making these teams was the toughest obstacle a young player must overcome.
“I knew that if I didn’t try out for the highest level school team, I would not make it to the next level,” Walton said. “The years before I tried out, I would go to the games and watch the high school team; I loved how they had a bond together and cheered each other on.”
Now, Walton was a part of that magic. Walton made the softball team just last year, right before starting her freshman year at Cabot Freshman Academy. For Walton, making this team fueled her love for the sport even more.
“I have had so many friendships that I will cherish forever and many to come, and it has taught me how to grow as a young woman,” Walton said.
It wasn’t just Walton’s steadfast admiration for the sport that moved her to be the best player she could be. It was also immovable inspirations that pushed her to succeed.
“My travel coach’s Justin Chamblee, Dustin Scott, and Isaiah Jackson, have pushed me to be the best version of an athlete I can be,” Walton said. “Not to mention my parents, who have helped me through it all; they’ve spent money and dedication on taking me 5 or more hours away to compete in the biggest tournaments.”
While Walton was just a freshman in high school currently, she’s already looking forward to the bigger picture, like college sports and education. Her devotion to the sport has driven her mindset for competing until she cannot anymore.
“I plan on giving softball my all until my journey ends,” Walton said. “I love this game so much, and I look forward to giving it my one hundred percent while pursuing to play at the highest level of competition.”
In fact, Walton had already been looking into colleges to further her athletic career in softball. Her inspirations helped her commit to the idea of playing softball at a collegiate level, and she doesn’t plan on stopping there.
“My travel softball team, Arkansas Flex, has helped me build my foundation of softball skills and dedication in the several college camps I have attended,” Walton said. “However, my favorite camp so far was Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas.”
Contrary to Walton’s bigger goals, she liked to pursue what was right in front of her. For now, Walton was focused on being the best softball player she could be, which started right on the Cabot Softball field.
“My main focus right now is to build my strengths and skills as a softball player and to further my education and earn a degree,” Walton said.
However, it’s not just softball that was Walton’s main focus in life. She also had other hobbies that she loves to enjoy on her off days.
“Down to my core, I’m just a true southern country girl,” Walton said. “I love to fish, hunt, and ride dirt bikes with my brother and father, with my family always meaning everything to me.”
Walton’s hobbies weren’t the only things she liked to do. Her education, which was an important part of Walton’s life, was truly one of her most important parts in her life.
“I really enjoy and have loved English and Literature as it helps me to better understand the world and environment around me,” Walton said. “I currently hold a 3.9 GPA and look forward to continuing my education.”
Considering this, Walton was off to a wonderful start in the Cabot Softball program. With her batting average being close to .400 with multiple star plays in right field, her season was looking up from there.
“I’m looking forward to a great year of camaraderie and new friendships,” Walton said. “Hopefully, we can scrape together a conference and state title to end the season off right.”
