What It Was Like For Chyanne Ellett To Transfer

Softball America: At what age did you start playing softball, and what motivated you to keep playing?

Chyanne Ellett: I started playing softball at the age of eight. At that time, I was just giving my run at almost all the sports as any young kid does. Softball stuck out to me, though, and I continued to play because of how much fun I was having. Throughout the years, my love and passion for the sport continued to grow.

SA: Who has impacted your softball journey the most to help you get to where you are now?

CE: My parents are a driving force for why I play. Like I said, I fell in love with the game at a young age, but my parents' constant support and belief in me is why I am where I am. They did everything they could to provide me with opportunities, whether that was driving me to pitching lessons in Austin on a weekday with work the next morning or driving me across the country to play in tournaments. They have always supported my goals and ambitions, and for all of that, I could not be more grateful. They are my No. 1 fans and always will be.

SA: What has been your favorite part about getting to play for multiple schools? Are there any similarities or differences between Memphis and Tarleton?

CE: One of my favorite things about playing softball, or sports in general, is the opportunity to meet new people and gain lifelong relationships. I have met a lot of amazing people and teammates at both schools. Another one of my favorite things is the difference between the cities that both schools are in. Memphis is a lot bigger than my hometown. Stephenville, on the other hand, is an hour down the road from my hometown and reminds me just of it. It feels like my home away from home and that is very special to me.

SA: Were there any similarities or differences between getting recruited while in high school compared to when you were looking to transfer?

CE: My recruiting process in high school was more drawn out and difficult, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I was originally committed to UT-Arlington until the coaching staff left. At that point, I made the decision to decommit and was later recruited by the University of Memphis my junior year of high school. It was sort of a scary and stressful process, but I trusted that I would end up where the Lord wanted me. All was the same for my decision in leaving Memphis to go into the transfer portal. I was nervous that with my previous season’s stats, no school would want me. But once again, I put my faith in the Lord, and I landed at Tarleton State not long after being in the transfer portal.

SA: What is your favorite part about being a college softball player?

CE: There are a lot of things I love. It is a great challenge and pushes me both mentally and physically, but I feel as though I am learning so much along the way. One of the biggest things about playing in college is knowing that I am living out my dream, and that eight-year-old me would be so happy.

SA: Do you have any advice for young athletes aspiring to play college softball?

CE: My advice for athletes aspiring to play in college is to remember that it is not about the division of the school, their record or their ranking, but it is about being somewhere you are happy and able to fulfill your dreams.

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