Bat in hand, Reagan Cullivan (12) made a home run with her recognition as one of the April Athlete of the Month. On the school’s varsity softball team, she competes as a shortstop and pitcher. After more than a decade in the sport, Cullivan will continue her softball career at the University of California, Davis, playing Division I softball in the fall.

From an early age, softball was a part of her life.

“I have been playing softball for 11 years now, since I was 7 [years old],” Cullivan said. 

Cullivan has played the sport for an extensive amount of time, and the relationships that have come from this keep her captivated.

“My favorite part is probably being with all my teammates and the joy of winning, “ Cullivan said. 

As a team captain, Cullivan works with the coaching staff and other captains throughout the season to ensure success. 

“Our coach likes to check in with us and evaluate where we are as a team, and where we want to be,” Cullivan said. “Then we bring those goals to the whole team, and talk about what we need to do to get there.” 

According to girls varsity softball head coach Julie Neubauer, Cullivan took on a larger leadership role this year. 

“She has really matured in her leadership skills as a team captain and has done a great job setting the example for attitude, effort and skill,” Neubauer said. 

Cullivan also contributed in a multitude of areas across the field this season. 

“She is one of the best shortstops I have ever seen, with smooth hands and a great arm,” Neubauer said. “She’s one of the top hitters on the team, leading in runs batted in (RBIs), and she pitched [in] about half of our league games.” 

Teammate Mina Crouch (12) played with Cullivan since she was eight years old on the North Shore All-Star teams, and noted that Cullivan’s approach to practices and games remained consistent over the years. 

“Reagan’s super dedicated to the team and works hard during practices to perform the best she can,” Crouch said. “Not every player holds standards for themselves the way Reagan does.” 

Crouch also said Cullivan improved in handling pressure during games. 

“Reagan [has] grown with stability and remained positive throughout the games, through good and bad,” Crouch said. “She carries herself high on the mound, as well as at shortstop, and picks herself up quickly and confidently.” 

Outside of team activities, Cullivan continues to spend time training independently.

“I try to go to the gym as much as possible,” Cullivan said. “Then, I’ll hit in my backyard and take ground balls with my dad.” 

Cullivan outlines the pregame routines that she follows before games. 

“I always put my left sock on before my right sock,” Cullivan said. “On the drive to games, my teammates, and I listen to music together and just have fun.”

In addition to her softball pursuits, Cullivan balances school, work and time with friends and family. 

“I work on the weekends, and then I hang out with friends whenever we can find time after practice or on off days,” Cullivan said. 

As the season comes to a close, the team remains focused on its post-season goals. 

“For the rest of the season, we want to win [the] league and do well in [the] California Interscholastic Federation (CIFs),”  Cullivan said.