As
Mallory Shelton enters the final stretch of her third year at IU Columbus, she's hitting home runs on all accounts – graduating with honors in just three years and closing in on a milestone in Crimson Pride athletic history as softball's all-time home run leader.
"I'm just trying my best to end on a high note," Shelton said. "I want to do everything I can for the team and to give us a chance to win the conference."
One highlight during her three years in the softball program was last
year's unexpected tournament run, where the team placed third in the River States Conference during its third year of existence. "We've gotten better every year," Shelton said. "I think we've surprised a lot of people!"
Shelton has loved her time at IU Columbus on and off the field. The small class sizes, relationships with professors, closeness to home, and both athletic and academic scholarships made it a perfect fit. She's especially appreciated Head Coach Tommi Stowers who genuinely cares about her as a whole person, supporting her in managing her Type 1 diabetes and making sure all players are healthy, both mentally and physically.
"Mallory is superhuman in my book," Stowers said. "She has managed so much these past three years and has truly done it with ease."
While chasing history on the field, Shelton has also excelled in the classroom. A biology major, Dean's List student, and set to graduate with an Honors designation, she will graduate a full year early after entering college with extensive AP and dual-credit coursework. Her hands-on capstone research and rigorous science classes reflect the same discipline she brings into the batter's box.
As graduation nears, Shelton isn't focused on personal numbers or records. Hitting the record-setting home run isn't just a statistic for her: It's the final punctuation mark on a college career filled with growth, consistency and hard work.
"Mal is leaving a legacy behind at IUC Softball, and I am excited to see what she does next," Stowers added. "We are just so blessed to be part of her journey."
To cheer on Mallory Shelton and the Crimson Pride, find the latest gameday information on the Athletics site.
