Faith, Power Hitting & Pro Softball Dreams is at the heart of this inspiring conversation with Coastal Carolina standout, Delaney Keith. Hosted by Coach Aaron alongside Gameface Gracie, this episode dives into Delaney’s journey from Idaho to becoming one of the most feared power hitters in D1 softball. Her story highlights faith, hard work, and the perseverance needed to chase pro softball dreams. From Idaho Roots to Coastal Carolina Power Delaney grew up surrounded by the game, with both parents coaching and instilling in her the love of softball. Her journey took her from Oregon to Idaho, and ultimately to Coastal Carolina, where she has developed into a powerful force at the plate. As the Gatorade Idaho Player of the Year, she batted nearly .600 with 13 home runs in her senior season, striking out only four times. That drive for excellence continues as she now shines in the teal and black. The Mindset Behind Power Hitting Success When asked about handling struggles, Delaney shared, “You have to train mental toughness… as long as you have the right support system around you, it’s easier to get through the bad days.” Her approach to adversity emphasizes faith, patience, and the ability to invest in small daily habits that add up to big results. Her story is a reminder to young athletes that challenges are part of the journey, but resilience and preparation make the difference. Chasing Professional and Olympic Softball Dreams Delaney’s goals go far beyond college. She dreams of playing professionally and representing Team USA on the Olympic stage. With softball gaining momentum through leagues like the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and Olympic re-entry, the future is bright for dedicated athletes like her. Her leadership and relentless pursuit of growth make her a role model for the next generation of softball stars. Lessons for Young Athletes in D1 Softball In this episode, Delaney encourages youth players to embrace new positions, love the grind, and focus on the fundamentals. Coastal Carolina’s rise in both baseball and softball reflects how smaller programs can make a big impact nationally. For more stories about rising stars, check out our episode on Softball, Superpowers, and Big Banana Ball Dreams. Walkout Song Delaney’s walkout song is “Play Something Country” by Brooks and Dunn — a fitting anthem for a player who blends grit, confidence, and Southern flair into every at-bat. Follow The SLIDE Podcast! Please email us with any questions or feedback. Help us grow by leaving a 5-star review and a question—we’ll answer it on the show! You might even get the chance to co-host an episode. Email: TheSlidePodcastShow@gmail.com Website: www.theslidepodcastshow.com All Links: https://linktr.ee/theslidepodcastshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theslidepodcastshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSlidePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theslidepodcastshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theslidepodcastshow?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theslidepodcast X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/theslidepod