A softball straight to the head. The coach’s first pitch to her. A laugh shared between the two of them. A bonding moment between her and one of her future coaches in her college career. Little did she know that this moment would be one of the catalysts in her decision for her future life.

After many years, tournaments, college visits and camps, junior and varsity softball player Alivia Robinson made her decision to commit to the University of Texas at Permian Basin, UTPB, for softball and her continuation in academics on Feb.6. According to Robinson, the process was lengthy and difficult.

“My commitment process was long and grueling,” Robinson said. “Finding a good fit is hard, and I learned that process the hard way. Going to a camp or tournament and finding a way to stand out was the hardest part.”

After visiting multiple schools and seeing girls her age who were faster, stronger and more talkative than her, Robinson said she knew that she had to find a way to stand out. She found that how she carries herself is the way she gets the most recognition.

“I cheer and yell on the field every second,” Robinson said. “I learned to lead my team in backing each other up and I make sure everyone is communicating 24/7.”

Robinson’s recruiting process at softball camps was the most mentally exhausting part, according to her. 

“When you go to camps most coaches will give you feedback and then go look at the next girl,” Robinson said. “If you weren’t someone they had already known, they move on. This is how it went at many of my camps.”

To improve her skills, Robinson has been training and practicing since she was a kid.

“Since I was 6, I’ve been competing and getting better at my craft,” Robinson said. “I started as a catcher [and] instead moved to first base as well as third base as I grew older. I learned my power and how to harness it to be the best power hitter I could be.”

There were multiple factors that influenced Robinson’s decision to commit to UTPB.

“UTPB is my fit,” Robinson said. “They had been watching me for years [and] they watched me grow and develop as an athlete. Their team made me feel so welcome and loved.”

According to Robinson, her visit with the coaches helped her make her final decision.

“As a person I can be quiet and not social but they bring out the best in me,” Robinson said. “Their coaches are all super supportive and they truly put me on top.”

Most of the UTPB campus is new, according to Robinson, with new freshman dorms, new athletic facilities and new fields with an upcoming field house

 “My visit was amazing and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Robinson said. “The campus of UTPB is beautiful and I can’t wait to see what else [they have] in store.”

Robinson’s decision to commit was difficult because of her lifelong passion for softball and different options of schools. She accepted her offer to UTPB on Feb. 6, and has verbally committed. 

“When I got my offer it took me a very long time to decide,” Robinson said. “Softball has always been my dream for college, but it was hard to decide where. When I called Coach Mendez, she was extremely excited and at that moment I knew I was going to be loved and supported there. I knew I was going to love being a Falcon. Falcons up!”