DeLand, Fla. - By the time Irianis Garcia arrived at Stetson University, determination was already second nature. She had carried it with her since the moment she first picked up a softball at age six—through long practices, demanding days, and the quiet pressure to keep proving herself. What she didn't expect was how deeply that determination would be tested, reshaped, and strengthened once she stepped into the life of a college athlete.

Garcia's journey to Stetson wasn't marked by a single defining moment, but by a steady build of confidence and resilience—qualities that now shape her both on and off the field. "I started playing softball when I was six years old," she said. "I fell in love with how playing made me feel. Whenever I was determined to accomplish something, I was able to, and that gave me confidence that I carry with me every day."

Rather than relying on physical advantages, Garcia built her confidence through consistency and belief in her work. "I was never the biggest, strongest, or fastest girl," she said, "but I never lost my determination to give my best every day."

One of the most formative moments in Garcia's athletic career came during her senior year of high school. After winning back-to-back state championships, her team fell short in the title game. The loss was painful, but it became a lesson she would carry forward. "It hit me hard," she said, "but I was able to reflect on the good and joyful times I had with my team during my high school years."

That experience shifted her perspective. Wins and losses mattered, but how she responded mattered more. "Your outcomes might not be what you want or expect," she said, "but the way you react can be even more impactful."

The recruiting process presented a different kind of challenge. It was filled with uncertainty—emails, camps, and waiting. Still, it revealed something important about herself. "The recruiting process was a stressful time for me," Garcia said. "I learned that I can do hard things even during an unknown time period."
When she visited Stetson, the stress faded. Everything clicked. "I fell in love with everything about this school," she said. "The family atmosphere, the resources, even downtown DeLand—it all aligned with what I needed." She found a place where growth extended beyond softball, surrounded by people who cared about her as both a person and an athlete.

At the center of Garcia's journey is her family, particularly her parents. "My mom and dad were and are still my biggest influences," she said. "They have never stopped pushing me to be the best version of myself, on and off the field."

Their support was constant. Her father spent countless hours on the field helping her refine her skills, while her mother never let her lose sight of her confidence or potential. "They were there for everything," Garcia said, "and that belief helped me believe in myself."

Transitioning to college life brought new challenges. Balancing academics, athletics, and personal time required adjustment. "The biggest challenge was managing everything on my plate," she said. "Learning how to use my free time has helped so much, even just as a sophomore."

She also learned the importance of prioritizing her mental health. During her freshman year, Garcia realized how closely mindset and confidence were connected. "I didn't realize how much of an impact mental health can have on your life," she said. "After finding resources that worked for me, I was able to overcome that adversity."

Now, she approaches each day with greater awareness and balance, equipped with tools that help her navigate both the pressures and the rewards of college athletics.

For younger athletes hoping to follow a similar path, Garcia's advice is grounded in perspective. "Fall in love with your sport—not because you think you have to or because someone tells you to, but because it's what you love," she said. "Don't let someone else ruin that love. Your sport should be your safe place, regardless of outcome."

For Garcia, softball has always been more than a game. It is a source of joy, confidence, and connection—a place where determination turns into growth, and where every challenge becomes another opportunity to become better.

Article partially generated with FanWord.

About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.