She’s already pinned opponents on the mat and launched softballs over the outfield fence, and she’s just getting started. Kayleigh Angona (12), a two-sport athlete at White Station High School, has committed to play softball at Southwest Community College, with her sights already set on bigger programs.

“I’ve played softball my whole life,” Angona said. “Wrestling is kind of stressful for me. I don’t want to do it in college, but it taught me a lot.”

Angona’s accomplishments can speak for themselves. Some of her proudest moments in high school athletics are placing fourth at the state wrestling tournament and leading the entire school district in home run hits over the fence, drawing attention from college programs and peers. She credits both sports with teaching her different lessons.

“Wrestling taught me to never give up, because things can change last minute,” Angona said. “With softball, you have to actually try out and put yourself out there. With wrestling, you just show up and you’re on the team.”

Her decision to commit to Southwest Community College is informed by her hope to increase her stats and GPA with a clear next step in mind.

“For now, I’m looking at U of M [University of Memphis] softball,” Angona said.

After college, Angona does not plan to stop. She has played softball all her life, and is determined to always continue in some capacity.

“I want to coach [when I’m older], for sure,” Angona said. “I don’t think I’d ever stop playing softball until I’m old.”

Angona’s athletic journey has included challenges and hardships. During her first year of wrestling, the pressure of competing at the state level took a mental toll, however she credits a coach with helping her through it.

“I had a lot of panic attacks because I was really stressed,” Angona said. “He taught me how to get over that. He taught me there’s more to wrestling than just physical.”