When she was younger, Julia Schell didn’t realize the significance softball would play in her life.

“I started playing softball by signing up for the Egypt Cobras since the park was and is across from my house,” recalled Schell. “At the time, I was 6-years-old, and I didn’t really understand how competitive or serious the game was. I was mostly there to socialize and have fun carelessly.

“Of course, as I got older, I came to understand the true nature of the game, and that’s why I fell in love with it.”

Schell currently is a sophomore on the Zephyrs’ team, and platooning at second base and at designated hitter. Schell also plays for the Outlaws traveling team.

After her initial experience with softball, Schell began to take notice of the game. She also took the game harder than she should have.

“When I was around 10-years-old, I realized how serious the game was, and I felt a lot of pressure to be perfect and not make a mistake,” stressed Schell. “I rethought every play I made, every at-bat I had, and it lowered my confidence because I was so hard on myself at such a young age.

“I felt that things were expected of me, and as a little girl, that was a huge feeling to accomplish, let alone ignore.”

Eventually, Schell gained her comfort zone, and those previous jitters went away.

“I started to feel more comfortable with the game when I gained coaches who were always willing to support me, and when I started to feel more confident as I gained more experience,” noted Schell. “Once I felt comfortable with the game, all my nerves and worries just went away. I would say one of my biggest things I had to overcome was struggling with confidence once the game started to become serious.”

Being among the team’s leading hitters, Schell also feels secure at the plate.

“Currently, I feel great about hitting the ball and making hard contact,” gushed Schell. “For me, it’s important to go up to the plate with a clear mind and confidence; this helps me stay out of my head and focus on playing the game naturally.”

Head coach Jeff Vivian has relished Schell’s grit and determination.

“She is a tough kid,” boasted Vivian. “ She’s slight in stature but she stands in there and swings the bat and fights for her results. For a sophomore, that’s very impressive. She has had some great ABs for us.

“She’s been a big part of our lineup and she’s starting to earn everything she’s got.

Over the years, Schell has cherished the constant support of her parents, Seve and Billy Jean.

“My biggest influences have been my parents,” said Schell. “They’ve always supported me, pushed me to work hard, and been there through everything. If I didn’t have their support, time, and sacrifices, I wouldn’t be able to play the game as I do now.

“My parents have done a lot for me, outside of softball, and I honestly owe it to them. I’m very grateful I have such support around me, and that has made a huge impact on my softball career.”

Schell sees herself as a calming force on the team.

“On my team, I see my role as being the reason my teammates feel supported,” said Schell. “Every girl who plays softball, or any sport for that matter, knows what it feels like to make a mistake and feel like you’ve let down your whole team. It’s nice to have that person who picks you up after that, and I like being that person.”

Schell is confident her team can make a deep postseason run.

“The chemistry on this team is very strong; we’ve been through big wins and hard losses, and we came back together and focused, not just for ourselves, but for the whole team,” beamed Schell. “We play and practice well together, and we have fun doing it, which makes a huge difference.”