Sadie Harding: The Thunder Fastpitch Journey to College Softball and Beyond
Meet Sadie Harding, a name synonymous with Thunder Fastpitch. Her remarkable journey from our organization to college softball exemplifies the core values and character development that we instill in our players. In this profile, we’ll dive into Sadie’s eight-year Thunder Fastpitch experience and her continued success in college softball.
Sadie’s Thunder Fastpitch journey was a substantial part of her life, spanning from 2013 to 2021. During her time with us, she had the privilege of being coached by Susan Harding, Nathan Delgado, Jeremy Ridgeway, Tony Ayres, Mike Clark, and Kelsey Smith. These coaches not only nurtured her
softball skills but also played a pivotal role in her personal growth, fostering a strong foundation of faith.
While in high school at Western High School, Sadie continued to build on the foundation laid by Thunder Fastpitch. Today, she’s a junior at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she continues to shine on the softball field, representing our organization with pride and dedication. Her journey is a testament to the enduring impact Thunder Fastpitch has on players, not just as athletes but as individuals.
When asked about her favorite memories with Thunder Fastpitch, Sadie cherishes the camaraderie and moments
shared with her teammates. Playing the sport she loves with her best friends and the fun experiences like team dinners and escape rooms during tournaments are moments she’ll forever hold dear.
Sadie’s journey has seen her play in various positions, displaying her versatility. As she reflects on her journey, she offers advice to aspiring softball players. She emphasizes the importance of giving 110% in everything you do, understanding that what you put into the game reflects your growth. She encourages players to find their identity in faith and not solely in the game, reminding them that softball is an avenue to shine Jesus’ light to others.
In her additional comments, Sadie expresses her gratitude to her coaches and family members who pushed and encouraged her throughout her journey. She highlights the freedom she feels in playing the game of softball, knowing that her worth isn’t defined by her performance. Her perspective on softball as a “failure sport” is a valuable lesson – that mistakes and failures are opportunities for growth and improvement. Sadie’s journey is not just a softball success story; it’s a testament to character, faith, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds for this inspiring athlete. ⚾🌩️ #ThunderFastpitchAlum #CollegeSoftball #SuccessStory