BEYOND THE DIAMOND
By Kali Blount
Growing up, I was always on the move.
Whether it was gymnastics, karate, or soccer, I thrived on competition, energy, and the thrill of trying something new.
I didn’t just love sports—I lived for them.
But when my parents signed me up for softball, something changed.
It wasn’t just another sport. It felt like home.
There was an unspoken magic to stepping onto that dirt field, gripping the bat, and hearing the crack of the ball against it.
I would count down the days until the next season started.
Softball wasn’t just a game to me; it became a part of who I was.
And that passion never left me.
Even today, I think back to that little girl who just wanted to play the game she loved.
The journey from that moment to where I am now has been anything but predictable, and I owe so much of it to DePaul.
A New Opportunity
Coming out of high school, I was eager to take the next step in my softball career at Oregon State.
It was a dream come true—playing at the collegiate level, pushing myself against the best.
But that first year didn’t go as planned.
I ended up redshirting my freshman season, watching from the sidelines, focusing on my development.
It was an opportunity to grow, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed a change.
When I entered the transfer portal, I had no idea what to expect.
It was terrifying and exciting all at once—like leaping into the unknown without knowing if I’d land on my feet.
The process is different for everyone, and for me, it was a whirlwind of emotions: hope, anxiety, uncertainty.
Then, DePaul reached out.
The idea of moving to Chicago thrilled me.
As a California native, the chance to experience a city so rich in culture, energy, and history was something I couldn’t ignore.
And when I visited, I knew—I just knew.
It wasn’t just about the softball program; it was about the people, the atmosphere, and the undeniable feeling that I belonged here.
That leap of faith led me to one of the best decisions of my life.
Today, I’m proud to wear the Blue Demon jersey, grateful for the chance to represent this incredible university and the sport I love.
A Different Mindset
Since arriving at DePaul, I’ve grown in ways I never expected.
Now a junior, I guess that makes me somewhat of an upperclassman.
But when I first got here? I felt like a baby bird trying to find my wings.
College athletics is a different world—faster, tougher, more competitive.
The transition wasn’t easy.
I had to adapt quickly, push myself harder, and embrace every challenge thrown my way.
But the biggest shift wasn’t physical.
It was mental.
I had to learn to slow the game down in my mind, to take it one pitch at a time.
The pressure can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned to stay present, trust my instincts, and play with confidence.
That’s been my biggest area of growth, and it’s something I take pride in every time I step onto the field.
This season, my goal is simple: to be the best version of myself.
I want to be a great teammate, a positive presence in the locker room, and a competitor on the field.
I want to be aggressive, make plays, and contribute to my team’s success in any way I can.
The idea of moving to Chicago thrilled me. As a California native, the chance to experience a city so rich in culture, energy, and history was something I couldn’t ignore. And when I visited, I knew—I just knew. It wasn’t just about the softball program; it was about the people, the atmosphere, and the undeniable feeling that I belonged here. That leap of faith led me to one of the best decisions of my life.
More Than a Game
Softball has given me so much, but it’s also shown me the importance of representation.
As an African-American softball player, I understand what it means to be part of a sport that is still growing in diversity.
Growing up, I didn’t see many players who looked like me.
That was unsettling.
But it also made the players who did stand out even more meaningful.
I looked up to players like Natasha Watley.
Seeing her dominate on the field showed me that I could, too.
Representation matters—it’s powerful.
It gives young athletes the belief that they belong, that they have a place in this game.
That’s why it means so much to be here at DePaul, to share my journey, and to be part of a movement that continues to grow.
And I’m not alone.
My teammate, Morgan Rogers, is also African-American, and having someone who understands my experiences has been incredibly special.
We lean on each other, we uplift each other, and we hope to inspire the next generation of Black girls who dream of playing this game at the highest level.
Softball isn’t just about the wins and losses.
It’s about breaking barriers, building communities, and creating a legacy for the players who will come next.
Wherever This Takes Me
I know my time at DePaul won’t last forever.
And honestly, that’s a bittersweet thought.
I’ve poured so much into this journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
But as much as I love the game, I know there’s more out there for me.
When my playing days are over, I want to go to law school.
I’ve always been fascinated by politics, and I dream of a career in international diplomacy—one where I can advocate, negotiate, and make a real impact on the world.
Softball has prepared me in ways I never expected.
It’s taught me discipline, time management, teamwork, and leadership.
It’s shown me how to handle pressure, adapt to change, and rise to challenges.
These lessons will stay with me long after my cleats are retired.
Because being an athlete isn’t just about the sport.
It’s about resilience, character, and the ability to leave a lasting impact.
And that’s exactly what I hope to do—both on and off the field.
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