Senior, Kate Quidato has decided to take her athletic journey to the next level by committing to play NAIA softball at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. Quidato has been a member of the Shadow Ridge softball program since freshman year. Quidato is also a member of the student council while also, outside of Shadow, she plays club softball. Although Quidato has had a lot to balance on her, home… plate, she has managed to also handle the intensive recruitment process any athlete has to endure if they’re looking to play in college.
Quidato says, “The recruitment process was very long and started at the end of my sophomore year. It was very fun but at the same time very stressful. I got in contact with Bethel College from when there was a Showcase Tournament this past summer and many recruiters were there. I got the chance to talk to many coaches, however Bethel College caught my eye. I then started keeping in touch with them and now that lead me to my new future home at Bethel College.”
Softball has been a success for Quidato as she puts up some impressive stats which displays an unreal level of commitment.
“My softball career has been amazing with some stats from club season going 20 games played. I starting pitching in 13, playing a total of 64 innings, with 50 strikeouts. Even more, now that I am committed I get to focus on getting stronger everyday for the start of my freshman year while also getting to focus deeply on my schooling,” Quidato says.
Through the last three years and a fourth to come, it is no surprise that Shadow Ridge softball has undoubtedly shaped Quidato as both a player and a person.
“Shadow Ridge softball has helped me in so many amazing ways but one standing out would be the fact that the girls helped me become a more mature and stronger softball player, from them cheering me on when I am down to helping me reach my goal from pitching in games. I couldn’t be anymore thankful for Coach Julia Meyn and the girls on the Shadow Ridge Softball Team,” Quidato says.
With only one year of high school softball left on the clock, she plans on contributing to both the team statistically as well as boosting team morale.
Quidato says, “For my last year I would love to help lead the Shadow Ridge Softball team to a State Championship for 2025. I would also love to be one to help lead the team and cheer everyone on to create a strong team chemistry.”
Turning over a new page should be an exciting journey for Quidato, she is looking forward to the new path she will follow.
Quidato adds. “I can’t wait to bond with my new team, travel for games and most of all challenge myself to improve my skills!”
Softball has been a major factor in her life thus far which in turn has taught her many valuable lessons she can carry through life.
“The most valuable lesson softball has taught me is that no matter how good you think you are there will always be more room to get better so always do something that will get you 1 percent better everyday, because at the end it will be worth it and your goal(s) will be achieved,” says Quidato.
