Karli Koskovich is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Cactus Shadows High School for AZPreps365.com

Growing up as a middle child in a family of athletes, senior third baseman Kira Day has been taught what it takes to become an elite athlete. 

“My dad has always been one who helped me work my mindset,” said Day. “That’s really where it all starts.”

Entering her senior season on the Cactus Shadows varsity softball team, Day has had 117 hits, 110 RBIs and 90 runs. Those numbers were good enough to earn a captain spot for the 2024 season. They also led to her commitment to Idaho State.

“I really care about connecting with my younger teammates," said Day. “I know they look up to me and it’s important to remember what it was like to be in that spot.” 

Considering Day has played competitive softball since age 4, she talks about how important it is for athletes to make time for things outside of just their sport. 

“Softball has always been my life, but I’ve learned having a balance is everything,'' said Day. “If you don’t give yourself time away from the game, it’s easy to burn out.” 

She balances her life and by spending time with her friends, family and her longtime boyfriend Beau Garvey.

“She really is a swiss army knife on the field. Sometimes I show up and she’s playing third or outfield, and sometimes she’s even the catcher,” said Garvey. 

Both Day and Garvey are athletes with aspirations of playing their sports at the next level. Having each other during this life transition gives that extra support to make it easier. 

In January, Day committed to Idaho State University after receiving multiple offers to play in college. 

“I will definitely always remember that day, my family threw me a little party, but my favorite part was knowing this recruitment process was finally over,” said Day.

As any athlete with aspirations of playing at that higher level knows, it takes a community to push the athlete toward their highest potential. 

Day’s club coach, Brian Gorges, has been there first hand, pushing her to her highest potential. Gorges has seen Day elevate herself over the hardships that come with being an athlete, and he believes Day has the potential to be the next big deal. 

“Kira excels in just about everything.  She's a natural leader, she desires to be the best and she pushes others to be the same,'' said Gorges. 

Tenacious, assertive and compassionate are just a few words Gorges uses to describe Day. Those qualities are what make an elite athlete. 

"You know, you fail most of the time, but that’s also the exciting part,'' said Day.

Part of excelling in the sport is falling in love with your failures and teaching the athlete inside how it can be different next time. 

Discipline is learned through failure. Day alongside the world's top athletes have had to push through some of the most difficult experiences, such as injuries or difficult situations regarding their sport. However, how an athlete bounces back is what separates the average from the elite.