CC Future Mobility Nov 2023 V2

Dayton stands out for Texas softball

by | Jun 15, 2023 | Sports

Bella Dayton’s journey from the Wylie High School softball team to the University of Texas has been long, but she’s found her comfort zone in Austin.

After helping lead the Pirates to the playoffs her senior season in 2019, Dayton went on to the University of Arizona her freshman season. Getting some playing time but dealing with the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dayton elected to transfer to UT Austin and hasn’t looked back since.

The best part about the transfer has been the family aspect of the school, feeling closer to home.

“It’s kind of like family in Austin,” Dayton said. “It’s so much closer to home and I have so much family near Austin as well that it’s great to have the support system I have and the community on campus. It’s been great for my experience getting to know my teammates.”

The decision to transfer was a big one for Dayton, but it turned out to be the right decision for her future. She helped the Longhorns reach the Women’s College World Series last season, making the all-tournament team, followed by the super regionals this past season. Along with being closer to home, she’s been able to enhance her opportunities off the field and prepare with an education in Health Promotion & Behavioral Science at Austin.

“At first, I didn’t want to be in Texas,” Dayton said. “I lived here my whole life and wanted new experiences. Being away from home, wasn’t the biggest factor when I decided to change schools, but it became a factor for me. I wanted to think about life after softball and getting the best education I could, but also a school where my athletic capabilities could be seen and matched as well.”

She’s made her presence felt on the field, helping Texas win 92 games over the last two seasons. Dayton stepped into the lead-off hitting role for the 2023 season, having a career year with a .344 batting average and .413 on-base percentage, winning 38 out of 52 games played.

“I think [I’ve developed] defensively and as a leader since my freshman year,” Dayton said. “Every year, it’s a new team and new people of all different ages. Some of us just came out of high school and as a player, you have to learn their personalities and what they need after wins and losses. The leadership role has been a big factor that you have to get through.”

Making the championship game in her first season with Texas, the journey has been a learning experience for Dayton the entire way. She’s excited about her upcoming senior season with an extra year of eligibility, hoping to get back to the College World Series and get a national title to cap off her career.

“We’ve got a pretty good amount of talent returning for next year,” Dayton said. “Early on, when it comes to wanting to accomplish our goals, I think we can make it as far as we want and even further than that.”

For the full story and more sports, subscribe to our newspaper here.

For additional sports pictures, see here.

CC Future Mobility Nov 2023 V2

0 Comments

Order photos

Related News

Raiders run out of steam against DeSoto

Raiders run out of steam against DeSoto

Derrick Guzman and Michael Henderson III close in on DeSoto’s Deondrae Riden Jr. in Wylie East’s playoff loss to the Eagles.    Photo by Austin Smith ARLINGTON - The Wylie East Raiders saw their season come to an end at the hands of the top-ranked...

read more
Wylie East advances to Area Round

Wylie East advances to Area Round

Michael Henderson III crosses the goal line for one of his two touchdowns on the night in Wylie East’s win over Tyler Legacy.   Photo by Oladipo Awowale WYLIE – Wylie East has won their first playoff game since 2016. The Raiders rode their defense in a...

read more
Wylie stung by Rockwall in bi-district loss

Wylie stung by Rockwall in bi-district loss

The Wylie defense tries to corral Rockwall’s Ashten Emory in Friday’s playoff loss to the Yellowjackets.  Photo by Oladipo Awowale ROCKWALL – The Wylie Pirates playoff run ended early in the Bi-District Round, losing to the Rockwall Yellowjackets by the...

read more
Lady Raiders edged out by Tomball Memorial

Lady Raiders edged out by Tomball Memorial

Wylie East dropped a tight matchup with Tomball Memorial on Friday in the Regional Semifinals. The girls forced the match to fifth set, but couldn’t win the pivotal bout.  Photo by Tina Lopez LUFKIN – The Wylie East Lady Raiders saw their season come to an...

read more
Wylie East edges Royse City to advance 

Wylie East edges Royse City to advance 

Wylie East will play Tomball Memorial Friday Nov. 10 in the Regional Semifinals. Photo by Tina Lopez The Wylie East Lady Raiders (26-8) took down Royse City in Caddo Mills on Tuesday night. With a trip to the Regional Semifinals on the line, the game was every bit the...

read more
Lady Raiders bounce Waco Midway

Lady Raiders bounce Waco Midway

The Wylie East Lady Raiders added a pair of trophies to their case last week with a Bi-District Title over Rockwall-Heath and an Area Championship over Waco Midway.  Photo by Tina Lopez  The Wylie East Lady Raiders are headed to the Regional...

read more
Owls hand Pirates a loss in final district game

Owls hand Pirates a loss in final district game

Jagger Bale (0), Josh Aubourne (22) and the rest of the Pirates will face Rockwall Yellow Jackets in the playoffs. GARLAND – The Wylie Pirates (6-4, 5-3) finished the regular season with a 31-7 loss to the Garland Owls (7-3, 6-2) at Williams Stadium.  The Owls...

read more
Raiders roll over Rowlett

Raiders roll over Rowlett

The Wylie East Raiders have had plenty to celebrate this season and are ready for the playoffs. Photo by Tina Lopez Wylie East closed out the regular season with a decisive 49-8 win over the Rowlett Eagles on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Wylie ISD Stadium. The Raiders (9-1,...

read more
Lady Pirates ousted by Royce City

Lady Pirates ousted by Royce City

Seniors Cherish Okpara and Jordyn Agee elevate for a block attempt. The duo of two of Wylie’s eight seniors who saw their career wrap up with the loss to Royce City.  Photo by Austin Smith, C&S Media The Wylie Lady Pirates’ season came to an end on Monday night at...

read more
Wylie East advances after clipping Lady Hawks

Wylie East advances after clipping Lady Hawks

The Lady Raiders will take on Waco Midway at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 in Corsicana. Photo by Tina Lopez The Lady Raiders are moving on to the Area round after beating the Rockwall-Heath Lady Hawks 3-2 (25-27, 27-25, 25-21, 23-25, 16-14) in a Bi-District match on Monday...

read more
CC Future Mobility Nov 2023 V2