My name is Abby Beard, and I’m a sophomore softball player at Millard North High School in Nebraska. I’ve started every game the past two seasons for our Class A team—the largest classification in the state—helping lead us to back-to-back state championship appearances. This past fall, I hit .568 with 63 hits (12 doubles, 17 home runs) and 59 RBIs. I was honored to be the only sophomore selected for Class A 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Nebraska, and named NFCA National Player of the Week in October. In addition to my high school success, I’m a standout player for the NE Gold National 15u team—the same organization that produced elite athletes like Jordy Bahl, Ruby Meylan, and Maddie Groff. I’m also a type 1 diabetic, and I’m passionate about showing others that nothing can stop you from chasing big goals.