A day doesn't pass without seeing Hemet softball slugger Ivy Campbell working on her swing. But it's Campbell's work outside of the hitting cage that is truly making an impact.
Each day, as one of her classes at Hemet High School, Campbell works with special education students at Cawston Elementary School.
"I really love Special Ed kids and autistic kids, it's who I want to work with when I'm older, I want to be an elementary special ed teacher," said Campbell with a big smile.
Campbell is dedicating her time between the class at Cawston Elementary as well as her Bulldogs' softball team. Hemet (9-5) is coming off a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division IV championship last season and Campbell will play a big part on helping the Bulldogs get back to the title game.
Ivy SOT
Campbell added a personal hitting coach and she's already seen an improvement at the plate. In fact, Hemet head coach Jeff Galloway has bumped Campbell up to the clean up spot in the line-up.
"I'm more confident every at-bat, every game I come out and I'm confident because I see myself getting better from last year," said Campbell who signed with Cal State Dominguez Hills. "I think that's part of my confidence boost too. I don't have to stress about getting recruited anymore … now I can just play my game and relax."
The Bulldogs have also adopted a motto this season: "win everyday."
"We work everyday to win the game that day, win at practice, and win at school," said Galloway. "Stay focused so we can continue to grow."
"Win everyday" seems like an appropriate personal motto for Campbell who is making a difference at Cawston Elementary while still powering the Bulldogs line-up.
"I want to take our league again, and win CIF again, that would be nice," said Campbell.
/ STAFF WRITER