For first year FMU softball player Addie May, excelling in the classroom and on the softball field has become a way of life for her.

A Vale, North Carolina native, May said she began playing softball when she was 4 and has been playing ever since.

May, a pre-nursing major, was a standout student and athlete at West Lincoln High School. During her junior and senior years, May served as her school’s softball team captain and was co-valedictorian of her graduating class.

She started each game at West Lincoln and was named All-Conference all four years, and All-District twice. May helped lead her high school’s softball team to three straight conference titles and a 2A state runner-up finish in 2016.

In addition to playing softball, May swam for two years, and played volleyball and basketball. She received a letter, a special patch for her letterman jacket, in swimming, weight lifting and volleyball during high school.

May says she was drawn from an early age to playing first base.

“I didn’t want to be a pitcher or catcher because that just was not for me,” May said. “But playing first base you still get a lot of the action, because if it’s a ground ball someone still has to come to first base.”

A student in Francis Marion University’s Honors Program, May said she became interested in attending FMU after being recruited for softball.

“The FMU coaching staff were interested in me and I came and visited,” May said. “I liked the school, liked the professors and I decided to come.”

Her favorite part about being a student at FMU is the professors because they are all open and willing to help their students.

May said the biggest adjustment from being a student-athlete in high school to a student-athlete in college was time management.

“Time management is definitely the biggest adjustment,” May said. “So making sure I get my assignments done when I need to and not putting things off. Just making sure stuff gets done before it’s due.”

May has big expectations for her first season as a member of FMU’s softball team.

“My biggest goal is getting in games,” May said. “We have Jess (Jessica Harney) who is a really good first baser too. She was an All-American last year, but I want to get myself in games and just help my team in any way possible.”

FMU’s head softball coach Stacey Vallee said she is excited to have May as a member of FMU’s softball team.

“Addie is a great student-athlete and we are very happy to have her be a part of our program,” Vallee said. “She is a very strong student and we are so happy she is a representative of our program in the classroom. She is someone who will be able to showcase her skills on the softball field this coming season, as she is a very good power hitter and will add depth to our lineup. She is always striving to be better on the field for herself and the team. We can’t wait to see her in action this spring.”

After graduation, May plans on being a trauma nurse.

“I want to work in trauma,” May said. “So, being in a hospital and getting in on the action and crazy stuff that happens.”

Outside of school and softball, May enjoys watching Netflix, sleeping and hanging out with her friends.