University of Maryland Eastern Shore women’s softball team is up to bat making an impact on women’s sports

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — March is Women’s History Month, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s softball team is up to bat, making an impact on women’s sports.

From the classroom to the diamond, UMES softball players are stepping up, with the women’s team averaging a fall team GPA of 3.38. Sophomore Tyla Dickerson explained why she chose the university.

“Going to an HBCU, I feel like it’s really important for younger girls to see people who look like them in these roles. So maybe one day they can play a sport they might not have thought they could play before,” Dickerson said.

For UMES softball players, every swing is about more than winning; it’s about representation.

Another UMES softball player, Clarke Calvin, added: “Just to know that we all started from somewhere. We’ve all been playing this sport for a long time. Believe in yourself at all times. We can do it. Believe in your abilities. Like, especially at the D1 level. You’re here for a reason. Just know that.”

Every swing, every catch, every inning comes from hours when no one is watching.

“It feels really good knowing that your efforts are put to good use,” Dickerson said. “I mean, waking up at 6 a.m., having long eight-hour days. It’s nice to see how all the hard work really plays out on the field.”

The hard work is shaping a team of women who challenge each other to work harder and rise above their limits.

“I feel like, as a team, we all push each other very hard. We’re all hard on each other — in a good way,” Calvin said.

The team knows how to have fun in seven innings.

“I feel like we have a lot of fun in the dugout. That’s our time to really let loose,” Calvin said.

The sounds of the dugout ring through the field in support of one another.

“Just remember to have fun. That’s the most important thing,” Dickerson said. “At the end of the day, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You’re just here to have fun.”

As a former Division I athlete, Dickerson has this message for young women athletes:

“We’re just as good as boys are,” Dickerson added. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. That’s the most important thing to remember.”

The women’s softball team has just started its season, so go cheer them on!