Perseverance Paves the Way for Shifflett's Success

CHAPEL HILL – Growing up in North Carolina, many have their eyes set on becoming a Tar Heel. However, wearing Carolina Blue as you step on to Williams Field at Anderson Stadium is a dream for most – and that's what it was for senior infielder Katelyn Shifflett too, until it wasn't.

Shifflett, a Huntersville, North Carolina native, grew up around the game and made it to Anderson Stadium a time or two for camps. After that and a few trips to see her play, head coach Donna J. Papa was interested.

"When she contacted my travel coach who contacted me, I was automatically interested," Shifflett said. "Who grows up in North Carolina and doesn't want to go to UNC? It was always a dream come true to come and play here."

However with 12 upperclassmen on the team her freshman year and 10 her sophomore year, Shifflett saw minimal time on the field. She played in 57 games between the two seasons, primarily as a pinch runner and a few games at third base. But, that would soon change.

"Her first two years here, Katelyn didn't play a lot but last year as a junior, she took on a new role," Papa said. "She was our leading hitter in the fall and ended up playing at first and second base last spring. Katelyn is very coachable and always comes to work hard every day. She's a team player and someone you want to be around."

In 2017, Shifflett took on a new role in her Carolina Blue. The infielder started every game, seeing action a first then settled in to second base where she helped the Tar Heels turn 11 of their 24 double plays last season. Although her role had changed, Shifflett kept the same mentality.

"I knew I had to prepare the same and compete the same on and off the field in practice and on my own time," Shifflett said. "That way I was prepared for when I was called to step up into that role and do what I needed to do."

And that preparation worked. Shifflett hit .243 with a .452 slugging percentage, totaling 43 hits, 11 doubles, a triple, eight home runs, nine walks, 23 RBIs and 20 runs last season. She shined in the ACC Tournament for Carolina with a home run against NC State in the ACC Semifinals, before cutting a 4-0 deficit to one run with two outs in the seventh inning with a three-run home run against No. 4 Florida State in the ACC Championship.

Turning toward her last season donning Carolina Blue, Shifflett continues to work hard and make it her best season. Although Huntersville, North Carolina is about two hours away from Anderson Stadium, many friends and extended family haven't been able to see her play with the home field advantage. During Carolina's midweek game at Charlotte, Shifflett cleared the park for her first home run of 2018.

"It was a good home run to have so that my friends who hadn't seen me play could see my best," Shifflett said. "To have a home run on top of that just made it so much better."

Only two days later, history was made as Carolina and Duke faced off for the first time on the softball diamond. Shifflett and her fellow senior Taylor Wike were determined.

"It was just so thrilling," Shifflett said. "Before the game, I just kept looking at Taylor that this is our game. This is what we've been waiting for, for four years and finally get to experience it."

With the game tied 1-1 after seven innings, the inaugural matchup was living up to the historic rivalry. In the bottom of the ninth, junior Kiani Ramsey knocked a leadoff triple to left, putting the win in sight.

"When the time came, it was just so close and so energetic the entire game. To be up to bat, I just took it as another at-bat. I knew what I needed to do. There was only one out with Kiani on third, so I knew as long as I put it in play either on a sac-fly or to the right side that she's fast enough to score."

And that's what she did. With one out down and an 0-1 count against her, Shifflett sent the ball to left for a sac-fly that allowed Ramsey to score for the win.

"She was huge in the Duke series," Papa said. "She's been in that position before and that's who you want in those situations. She made some nice plays defensively for us as well. I think anybody that has seen her play, can appreciate where she was coming in to where she is now."

With only a few months left on the field, Shifflett won't be away from the game – or a game for long. The sport administration major plans to stay involved somehow.

"Being a baseball/softball family my whole life has been about sports," Shifflett said. "I feel like anything sport-related interests me. My sport administration classes really captured my attention and kept me engaged in the classroom. I did an internship this summer in compliance, but I learned I want to be more hands-on – not necessarily on the field but more interactive."

Whatever path Shifflett chooses after May, there's no doubting her success in the future.

"She's lighthearted and fun, but she knows when it's time to do her job," Papa said. "She has persevered and didn't give up. In doing that, she's come into success and helped our team become successful."

Catch Shifflett and the Tar Heels at Anderson Stadium Friday through Sunday versus Pittsburgh. Friday's game begins at 6 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday starting at 1 p.m.

Stay up to date with Carolina Softball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.

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Kiani Ramsey

Katelyn Shifflett

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