Softball Newcomer Q&A: Bailey Dowling

How did you get your start in softball?

"I was an only child and on the quieter side, so my mom actually forced me to play softball. At our first practice, I remember diving in the dirt and I just immediately fell in love with the sport. I also played soccer and I loved it, but once I played softball, I knew that was it. My mom played both softball and basketball in college and my dad played football, so I was in a very athletic family."

When did softball become a serious pursuit?

"I have always been very competitive so as I got older, I became less shy and that competitive side really started to show. I am also from a small town and knew I wanted to leave and thought softball could help me do that. College softball started becoming around a real thought when I was around 12. Before that it was just for fun, but then I started travel ball and started working out and practicing on my own.

"I went to an on-deck camp with a ton of coaches in Chicago. After the camp, they write an article about each player and their skill level. Colleges started reaching out to me after that and I really began to believe that I could play college softball."

Living in Illinois can be challenging for those who want to play outdoor sports year-round (due to the weather). How did you overcome those challenges?

"My parents and I moved out to the country and my dad built a batting cage in our backyard. It really helped me because I could go out there every day and work out or hit."

When you were first looking at colleges, what criteria was high on your priority list?

"I wanted a family atmosphere. I really looked at how college coaches treated their players and coaching staff on each visit. That is how I decided which colleges I liked and disliked."

When did Alabama come into the picture?

"I have a letter I wrote in third grade about how it was my dream to play at Alabama and hear my name called as I walked out to home plate. I am still not sure how it came about. I really liked their team colors. I went to a tournament in Northern Iowa where Alabama was playing that is when I really fell in love with UA. When it came to my official visit, after five minutes of being on campus, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I got the offer from Murph in 2016 and there was absolutely no hesitation in my mind. My mom was not with us when it happened, so I called her first and then immediately called Coach Murphy back to let him know that I wanted to be a part of the UA softball family."

After committing did you feel a sense of relief or was it added pressure?

"I really felt the pressure my junior and senior year of high school. That's when people really knew, 'oh she's going to Alabama.' All along I was happy and very content in my decision."

How has the transition to college been?

"It has been different. Being an only child and nine hours away from my parents has been hard. I like change and a challenge, so having that mentality has helped in the transition. My teammates and coaches have also helped a ton and made it way easier than I expected. After experiencing the coronavirus protocols in the spring of my senior year, I feel like I am almost used to it. The second-year freshmen got to experience a normal college life and we as incoming freshmen didn't, so in a way I think that has made it easier for our group since we do not know any different."

What were your emotions the first time you got to play in the Alabama uniform during the fall scrimmages?

"At first, I wasn't nervous, but once we got on the field and started playing, I immediately got butterflies and completely lost my train of thought. I couldn't remember where or how to even throw the ball. Those emotions really showed me that this is the place for me."

What are your individual and team goals for this season?

"With coronavirus, we weren't able to get out of our 'softball bubble' this fall which made all of us super close. It's our goal to stay that way throughout the season. My personal goal is to be a freshman that stands out. Not necessarily just on the field but by being encouraging and loud."

What is your advice to young girls who wants to play college softball?

"It's a journey, live it up. Take it all in and go on as many visits as you can. Do not put too much pressure on yourself, just enjoy it all."

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