Beyond the Jersey: A Journey of Resilience, Passion, & Perseverance

Alyssa Youst's softball journey began when she was just 13 years old. Her parents signed her up for the local recreational league, and what started as a simple activity immediately turned into a passion. "I quickly fell in love with it. I really enjoyed the competition, the feeling of improving my skills, and making life-long friends along the way." she shares.

Now, as a fifth-year student at Penn State Schuylkill, Alyssa has become a key player in the school's softball program and a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete.

Alyssa's dedication and hard work have led to numerous accomplishments, both academically and athletically:

• Athletic Awards:

  • USCAA 2nd Team All-American

  • 1st Team All-Conference

  • USCAA Honorable Mention

  • 100 Career Hits

  • 100 Career RBIs

• Academic Awards:

  • USCAA National All-Academic

These achievements reflect Alyssa's commitment to excellence, whether she's on the field or in the classroom.

For Alyssa, Penn State Schuylkill was the perfect choice. Its close proximity to her hometown of Schuylkill Haven allowed her to stay connected to her roots while pursuing her academic and athletic goals. "The campus offers a great balance of programs and resources that line up with my career goals. And having the opportunity to play softball here won me over," she says.

Over the years, softball has taught Alyssa valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the diamond. Teamwork, time management, and resilience are skills she's developed through her experiences as a student-athlete. "The challenges on the field have taught me how to work under pressure and to keep going when things get tough." she explains.

This year, Alyssa faced one of the toughest challenges of her athletic career: an injury that kept her off the field. "It was hard to be away from the field and not be able to participate in practices, especially with my last season coming up," she reflects.

With the help of her athletic trainers, Trainer Kate, and Trainer Maysen, Alyssa has focused on staying positive and committed to her recovery. "This experience has taught me patience and the importance of mental toughness. My mindset changed to focusing on the things I can control, like staying strong physically and mentally, so I can be ready when I go back to the field," she says.

Alyssa credits her time as a student-athlete for shaping her into the person she is today. From mastering time management to learning the value of teamwork and accountability, she feels prepared for life after college. "I've also developed resilience, especially during tough times like my injury, and the importance of staying positive and focused," she says.

Throughout her journey, the Penn State Schuylkill athletics department has been a pillar of support. "They've been there for me every step of the way, providing me the resources and encouragement I needed," Alyssa shares.

As Alyssa prepares for her final season, she's ready to leave everything on the field and make the most of her last year as a student-athlete. Beyond the jersey, Alyssa Youst is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of teamwork.