Pressure comes with every pitch, but Westville senior Brandi Cavin has learned the best way to handle it isn’t by trying to control everything. It’s by controlling herself.
That approach has shaped Cavin into one of the steady leaders for the Yellowjackets as she prepares for her final high school softball season. As the team’s pitcher, she understands every game can change with a single moment, making composure just as important as talent.
The biggest influence on her development has been her father, who has spent years balancing the roles of coach and parent.
“The person who has inspired me throughout my entire career is my dad,” Cavin said. “He played at a high level and has been a great coach and dad — depending on the situation he knows which one to be.”
Pitching places her at the center of every play, but Cavin believes the greatest challenge isn’t physical. It’s maintaining control of her emotions, even when the game isn’t going her way.
“The most difficult thing about my position is controlling the game,” she said. “It’s very important to keep composure. Not only can the other team tell when I’m upset, but so can my own team.”
Learning to stay even-keeled has influenced her far more than her performance in the circle.
“I’ve learned that nothing’s ever as bad, or good as it seems,” Cavin said. “Once I realized that, it helped me become successful — not just in softball, but school as well.”
That perspective has also helped create the type of team environment Cavin values most. She says the Yellowjackets have built a culture where players support one another while recognizing there is more to life than the outcome of a game.
“I enjoy being able to be myself and still be appreciated,” she said. “Every girl on the team realizes there is life outside of softball. That makes the energy lighter in the dugout.”
She also appreciates the teammates who help strengthen that atmosphere, pointing to Lexi Simmons’ willingness to help others improve and Lorelai’s ability to keep the dugout loose during games.
Away from softball, Cavin stays involved in a variety of activities. She serves as an officer in National Honor Society, participates in the Arvest Junior Bank Board and is active in Bleacher Creatures. She enjoys history in the classroom and credits English teacher Chloe Abshier as her favorite educator.
As she enters her senior season, Cavin hopes to leave the program the same way she approaches every game: with humility, perspective and a steady presence her teammates can count on.
“Staying humble and keeping it fun,” she said. “In the grand scheme of things, softball is just a game.”
