Rebecca Eckart

NiJaree Canady

I love to watch baseball and play with my dog.

University of Notre Dame

I love the culture, values, and tradition at Notre Dame. The campus is beautiful and immediately felt like home.

I try to model my game after Roberto Clemente. Clemente always gave full effort into every play and came up in clutch moments, allowing him to be the World Series MVP in 1971. I never shy away from a challenge and always work hard to help the team succeed.

My sister studied at Oxford University

If I had to sum up the “legacy” that I want to leave behind in one word – it would be “inspirational”. On the diamond, I want to inspire others with my desire to always compete at the highest level, my fearlessness to take on and overcome any obstacle I confront, and my thirst to always improve – along with my sincere desire to see my team and teammates find equal success. Off the diamond, I want to inspire others by my academic journey – to show that you can be an athlete while still competing at the highest levels of academia. Like my idol, Roberto Clemente, I want to inspire others to use their success to help others in need. We can be fierce competitors while still remaining humble, sincere, and helpful.

Inspired by Clemente’s humanitarian work, I try and use my opportunities in softball to help out others. Last summer I was blessed to be able to travel to Cuba in order to play against the Cuban National and Junior National teams, allowing them to be exposed to competition other than on the island. We also donated sports equipment, toiletries, and other necessities. It was great to use my privileges to help others and I hope to do more in the future.