A productive individual season has paid off for one California Pintos softball player.
Camryn Schlup was recently named to the Class 2 all-state team. She is just the second California softball player to be named to an all-state team in program history and the first selection in more than two decades, the last being Abby Lehman in 1997.
Schlup, a junior, is a pitcher for the Pintos; she said being named All-State is an honor.
"It was a goal I set for myself at the beginning of high school," Schlup said. "My dad set the goal of me being all-state when I was 8 years old. I never really thought much about it until my high school career began. I think setting goals is an important part of life, even knowing that with hard work and discipline you may not achieve every goal you set. But you must have something to reach for. I am blessed with the best support system and many people (who) helped me to achieve this honor."
In the first six games of this season, Schlup only gave up one run. However, Schlup said she did not really think about it at the time.
"I just went out to do my job and put my team in the best position possible," Schlup said. "Looking back at it now, I am proud of myself, along with my team, because we did it together."
This season was another year in a string of seasons in which Schlup has found success, as she has been named to all-conference in all of her three years of high school.
"Being named all-conference all three years I have been in high school reminds me of my hard work and love for the game," Schlup said. "I feel like I earned those honors during the off-season as my preparation and hard work paid off. I have spent countless hours working on my game, so to be recognized is very rewarding.
Schlup's work ethic has been noticed by Pintos softball coach Steven Stock. Stock said Schlup is a hard worker when it comes to her role on the team, and she's a smart athlete to boot.
"Her velocity is up, and she is throwing a little bit harder," Stock said. "She is very smart; she understands how to get certain hitters (out). ... Through her hard work she has become just better and better with not only velocity but with her pitches. She is just a better pitcher."
With her senior season coming up next year, Schlup said one of her main goals is to enjoy every minute of it. Schlup said she also wants to be a leader for the team.
"Hopefully, we can continue to be competitive and run for a conference or district championship," Schlup said. "In the end, I want to be proud of myself, my team and this program.
"Softball will come to an end soon enough, so I want to enjoy it while I can. Softball has brought me lifelong friendships, taught me so much and helped form me into the person I am today," Schlup said.
Even after a successful season, Schlup said she can still improve her game and plans to do so in the next season.
Thinking beyond her final Pintos season, Schlup said she does wish to keep playing softball after high school.
"I will continue to work hard and give it my all every game," Schlup said. "There is always room for improvement, and I'm excited to see what my senior season has in store."