In My Own Words With Softball's Nyla Doiron

Nyla Doiron has loved softball since she was a little girl.

The sophomore catcher at Morehead State grew up in Zachary, Louisiana, and remembers days playing with her friends and teammates.

Most of the girls she played with were the same age, and they competed together for years. 

Doiron started playing travel softball in the 12U group and always wanted to be as competitive as the older girls.

"I enjoyed playing up a few age groups," Doiron said. "It made me better as a player because the competition level was better, and it makes you improve your game quicker."

As she grew older, Doiron had dreams of playing college softball. 

Choosing Morehead State University was an easy decision for Doiron. 

"I wanted to go to a school where I felt at home and could play competitive softball while pursuing my nursing degree," Doiron said. "The second I stepped onto campus, I immediately fell in love with the beauty of the campus and the environment."

Doiron has the opportunity to live out her dreams of playing softball at a Division I level. 

For her, the biggest key for younger girls is to give it everything they have. 

"There is no easy path to success, and you will face numerous adversities along the way," Doiron said. "It's worth persevering because it is all worthwhile in the end."

Playing out of love is what fuels Doiron's career. She's not there just to be a part of it. She's there to compete.

It's what made her the player she is today. 

Everyone has someone they look up to, and Doiron is no different.

Her biggest role model is her sister.

"I look up to my sister because of how strong she is," Doiron said. "Even at her worst times, she is always trying to make sure I'm OK and taken care of."

Her sister is a pitcher at Trine University, and Doiron admires her work ethic and dedication to the game.

It's something Doiron has incorporated into her game as well.

Doiron is the field general from the catching position.

This requires a lot of communication with her teammates during the game.

"I take charge and communicate with my teammates through pre-pitch talk," Doiron said. "During this, it's quick communication with eye contact to make sure we are on the same page."

When everyone is talking and communicating with each other, the team is at its best.

Doiron also keeps in communication with her pitcher to make sure she is good and has what she needs to put the team in the best situation possible.

As she matured in her high school years, Doiron learned a valuable lesson that can be applied on and off the field.

She learned not to take everything so seriously. 

"Throughout high school, I did everything to make sure things were perfect, and while this proved effective for my career, it was very unhealthy mentally," Doiron said. "I worried constantly about what others thought of me."

These worries made her stronger, but when she took a step back to just breathe, her life got easier.

Doiron became more at ease and relaxed.

"Overall, my well-being was so much simpler," Doiron said.

Doiron has two walk-up songs, but one of them is "Let It Rock" by Kevin Rudolf featuring Lil Wayne.

She picked this song because it reminds her of the kind of music she would listen to before games to keep her hyped and in the right headspace.

"The intro of this song is very catchy, and I think it fits me well because the song exudes the kind of energy and ferocity I want to bring when I step up to the plate," Doiron said.

That energy and ferocity are what make Doiron who she is. She is a fierce competitor, but also someone who understands how to have fun and enjoy life.

It's a combination that makes Doiron successful on and off the field.