Since graduating from Seaquam Secondary 14 months ago, Camryn Milley has not only been thriving on the softball field, she has been busing seeing plenty of North America too.
The standout first baseman was driving through Kansas on Wednesday en route to Texas where she will be attending Odessa College on a full-ride scholarship. Just days earlier she was in Niagara, Ont. helping Team B.C. capture gold at the Canada Summer Games.
B.C. capped a dominant run in the double knockout playoff round by defeating Quebec 10-0. Milley was among the team’s top players at the plate, batting .375 with a home run and seven RBI. The multi-sport competition culminated a two-month run for the team that was formed following a series of tryouts.
“No way we expected it to be that easy but in the end we all really came together as a team,” reflected Milley. “The only goal we had in mind when we left for the Games was to win gold.”
The Team B.C. stint was part of a hectic stretch for after she returned home from her freshman year at Iowa Western Community College. She was re-united with her Delta 2003 Heat teammates for their final year in minor softball together that culminated at last month’s U19 provincial championships at Softball City.
She earlier thrived at Western Iowa, earning several academic and athletic awards including being named to the 2022 Region XI NJCAA First Team All-Region and earning NCJAA Division One All-American status. The honour roll student, who is studying psychology, ranked ninth in the nation in home runs.
“It was a little nerve wracking to be leaving home (at 18) and not knowing any of the girls but as soon as I got there everyone was super nice and welcoming. I felt like I was at home right away which allowed me to be more comfortable on the softball field and perform to my full potential,” said Milley.
“Honestly, (the Odessa offer) was just kind of like out of the blue. I've always wanted to end up playing down south in hotter weather. I got off to a great start (at Western Iowa) to get this opportunity, which I'm really grateful for. One of my goals when I was younger was being able to travel a lot so this is cool.”
Milley went directly from Niagara to Iowa after the gold medal triumph where she met up with her freshman roommate and teammate, pitcher Emily Brouse, who is also headed to Odessa.
