Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the first day those in the Class of 2016 can sign their Letter of Intent and make it official that they’ll be a college softball pla
Nov 10, 2015 by Brentt Eads
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the first day those in the Class of 2016 can sign their Letter of Intent and make it official that they’ll be a college softball player!
We’re gathering the thoughts of some of the very best in the senior class about this exciting next step and today hear from Madilyn “Bubba” Nickles, a pitcher/utility player so versatile she’s been invited to try out for the USA National Women’s Team even though she’s yet to play her final year of high school ball!
After the January tryouts for the National Team—where the No. 2 player in the 2016 Hot 100 will be the only high school player competing for a spot among 43 invited standouts—Bubba will finish up at Merced (Calif.) High and then start next fall at UCLA.
Note: if you’re a senior and have a cool signing photo or video to send to us for possible publication, forward to: sarah.hoffman@flosports.tv.
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Did you ever think this day—signing with your dream school—would come! I first found out what an athletic scholarship was from my dad, who was coaching high school track and football, before I was in kindergarten. Since then, it has always been my main goal to have an athletic scholarship. It's extremely exciting to know that I am officially accomplishing my goal of obtaining that scholarship this week!
Where will you be signing your Letter of Intent this week? Since it is a holiday (Veteran's Day), I do not have school on the first signing day (Wednesday), so I will be signing my actual NLI at home with my family and sending it in right away that morning, and then I am having a signing party at my school the next day to share with all of my friends and extended family!
Will it be a big occasion or more low-key? It's going to be both!
Will you do anything to celebrate the big day? The event at my school will be a big celebration.
What date did you actually commit and where were you when you made it official? I committed October 29, 2012, on campus while I was on an unofficial visit. That was three years ago!
What highlight stands out to you about the recruiting process? The fact that I was even in the recruiting process is crazy to me! But, what really stands out to me about the process is the fact that recruitment does not stop after you commit. It seems to just be starting in a way that you have to work even harder after, in order to keep your scholarship offer, and to try to earn a spot in that starting lineup when you finally do get there as a freshman.
What did you know UCLA was the right choice for you? I remember vividly walking around the school on my first tour and seeing all the student athletes that acted as a big family, no matter what sport they were in. The vibe I got from just walking around the school felt like home.
What will signing with UCLA mean to you personally and to those who’ve been part of your success (family, coaches, teammates, etc.)? Signing for an athletic scholarship has always been one of my lifelong goals. Everything I have been through and everyone that has contributed in my path has had a big part of getting me to this point and I'm very grateful and thankful.
How much Bruin gear/product do you have at this point? Too many things to count! We can't seem to stay away from the store on campus whenever we visit and we always seem to leave with the BIG shopping bag.
What’s next for you and your softball plans? I have my very last fall tournament for travel ball in a couple of weeks. It is a bittersweet feeling to know that, but then I have the tryout for the USA National Team shortly after. I'm very excited and nervous for that opportunity. It will be a great learning experience for me to be there with so many incredible players that I look up to & admire. And soon after that I will be starting my last season of high school ball. So it's safe to say that I really won't have much of an off-season, but that's OK because I love it!
