The Tarleton State University TexAnn Softball team is opening up their 2016 season ranked number 10 in the nation from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll(NFCA). Melody Mayse, a senior centerfielder from Grandview, Texas, has returned to the TexAnns team as one of 13 letter-winners for the season.

Mayse grew up around softball, with both sisters played while their dad coached. She knew it was something she wanted to do. Mayse also did competitive cheer until she was a sophomore in high school. She says most people still don’t believe her when she says she used to cheer.

Mayse says she chose to come to Tarleton because she fell in love with the atmosphere when she visited, and because she could still stay close to her family. She credits head coach Julie Mata as  a large part in her decision.

“I loved Coach Mata and the values and morals she holds as a person and as a coach,” said Mayse.

Even though she has been around softball for most of her life, Mayse says she does not really watch any college or professional level softball teams. Though, out of all the teams she has played with, the TexAnn team has been her favorite.

“My dad used to always say, ‘You’ll be so much better, and so much more, if you have a bond with all your teammates, while you’re on the field and while you’re off the field.’” Mayse says.

Mayse says the team is great friends both on and off the field, with even the bus rides and going out to eat together are fun.

While she has enjoyed her many years of softball, Mayse does not see herself going past the collegiate level. She is currently a Social Work major and after softball, she plans to earn her Master’s degree and afterwards, she hopes to work with international adoptions, a life dream of hers.