Name: Mikayla Hilton

Major/Minor: Sports Management and Leadership with an emphasis in coaching; minor in Business Administration.

Year: Junior

Sport: Softball

Hometown: Port Washington

What was one of your biggest challenges at Lakeland:  “Just breaking out of my shell and really taking the time to get to know people. My freshman year, I was pretty shy was just on the softball team and wasn’t very involved around campus. My sophomore year, I was able to break out of my shell a little bit and be involved in different activities throughout campus, including basketball and softball, but I would never really talk to people who are outside of my team. This year, my junior year, has been by far the best year of my life. I have completely broke out of my shell; not only am I a part of the softball team and women’s tennis team, but this past semester I also joined the Pi Kappa Gamma sorority, which has allowed me to be a part of some really great things. It really opens the door to a great path for my future.”

If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why: “It would be volleyball. I have always had a passion for volleyball since middle school and I have had much success with it. I’ve missed the sport of volleyball since the last game of my senior year in high school. Sure, I can pick up a ball and play any time, but is not the same. It’s not the competitive nature it used to be. Every volleyball game I’ve watched here at Lakeland, I wish I could be out on the court playing.”

What inspires you: “My family does. They have given me so much and have taught me so many valuable life lessons so far in my life, I don’t think I could ever repay them for that. They have been and always will be the foundation for my success whether it be related to school sports or eventually my career. I will always have them to thank for that. In relation to sports, as I’ve grown and matured through college, I’ve learned it’s truly the little things that make all the difference in the world and to never take anything for granted cause you never know when your last day will be. So I play for those who can’t, it’s the least I can do to pay back my respect for them.”

What’s one food you would never eat and why: “Sushi. I cannot grasp the idea of eating raw fish.”

Why did you choose your major:  “I chose my major because ever since I was little I’ve had such a passion for sports. It doesn’t matter the sport, if it’s out there I’ve either played it, tried to play it, or watched it on TV and have an understanding of that sport. I chose the sports management leadership major because there’s endless opportunities in the sports world. Two of my goals in the future I have would be to become a head college softball coach and to open my own sports complex. I feel as if this major is the perfect fit for me and will prepare me with the tools I need for success.”