Kent State of Mind: Delaney Robeson - A Childhood Dream
4/8/2025 11:29:00 AM | Softball
Growing up, my family was always in motion. We weren’t the type to sit still—we thrived on energy, activity, and a little friendly competition.
My dad, in particular, had a deep love for sports, and he wanted my sister and me to find something we were passionate about. He never pressured us into a specific sport; his only rule was that we commit fully to whatever we chose.
For me, that passion first sparked in swimming and softball.
Both brought me joy, but in completely different ways.
I loved the adrenaline rush of a swim meet—the split-second reactions, the relentless chase against the clock.
But practice?
That was a different story.
I caught myself counting down the minutes until I could go home.
Softball, though, was different. I loved every part of it—the feel of the bat in my hands, the dirt on my uniform, the crack of the ball meeting the sweet spot.
It wasn’t just about game day; I looked forward to the grind, the training, and the bonds built with my teammates.
That’s when I knew.
If I wanted to compete at the highest level, I needed to choose the sport that made me want to show up every single day—not just when it was time to perform.
So, I chose softball.
A Bond Built on Baseball
Softball was more than a game in our family—it was a connection.
My dad played baseball growing up, and that passion carried over when he coached both my sister and me.
He wasn’t simply a coach on the field; he believed in our potential and pushed us to be our best.
My sister, who played at Toledo, and I shared that bond with him.
It wasn’t only about the sport either—it was about the shared experience, the understanding of what it meant to work hard and chase a dream.
Of course, my mom was always there supporting us, too.
But my dad and I had that extra competitive spark—one fueled by a mutual love for the game and a respect for the grind.
That connection made me want to push harder, train smarter, and dream bigger.
Softball wasn’t just something I did—it became part of who I was.
Choosing Kent State
When recruiting began, I had one clear goal—I wanted to play out of state. Not too far, but far enough to gain some independence while still having my family close enough to visit.
Kent State was one of my first visits, and from the moment I stepped on campus, something just felt right.
The team, the energy, the atmosphere—it all clicked.
It wasn’t just a school; it felt like a second home.
I remember standing there, taking it all in, and realizing I didn’t need to keep looking.
My gut told me this was the place.
So, I committed—no hesitation, no second-guessing.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I trusted that instinct because shortly after, COVID hit.
Recruiting became an uphill battle for so many athletes who hadn’t yet committed, and I watched their uncertainty unfold.
Meanwhile, I already knew where I belonged.
It felt like God had set my path before I even realized what was coming.
Sisters in Softball
Having an older sister who played college softball shaped me in ways I didn’t expect.
People often assumed we were competitive with each other, but in reality, there was never any rivalry.
We played different positions, had different strengths, and supported each other.
Always.
One of my favorite moments in my entire softball career was during my freshman year at Kent State.
We played against Toledo on my sister’s senior day.
It was surreal—her collegiate career was coming to an end, and mine was just beginning.
That moment was bigger than a game.
It was a full-circle experience—one that reminded me how far we had come and how much we had grown.
Softball wasn’t just something we played.
It was something that had shaped us, connected us, and given us memories we’d hold onto forever.
The Best Moments Aren’t Always on the Field
When people ask about my time at Kent State, I could talk about the intense games, the championships, and the thrill of competition.
But honestly, some of my favorite memories have nothing to do with what happened on the field.
It’s the bus rides where we laughed until we cried.
The inside jokes that never got old.
The late-night team hangouts, grabbing food after practice, and the unplanned moments that somehow became the most special.
Softball gave me lifelong friendships—people I might never have met if it weren’t for this sport.
Some of them were teammates, others were athletes from different teams, but we all shared the same world of early mornings, long practices, and chasing dreams together.
Savoring Senior Year
Now, as I enter my senior season, everything feels more significant.
Every practice, every game, every moment—I’m soaking it all in.
There’s something bittersweet about knowing this is my last year.
I’ve grown so much as an athlete and as a person here.
Kent State has given me more than just a place to play—it’s given me the tools to succeed in whatever comes next.
And now, that next chapter is just around the corner.
If you had asked me a few years ago what I wanted to do after college, I would have had a solid answer.
But now? I’m still figuring it out.
I’m graduating with a business management degree, but my path isn’t set in stone.
All I know is that I want to do something meaningful.
I want to help people.
I want to take the lessons I’ve learned—about teamwork, leadership, and resilience—and apply them to whatever comes next.
Gratitude for the Journey
As I look back on my time at Kent State, I see more than just softball.
I see growth.
I see friendships.
This chapter is coming to an end, but the memories, the experiences, and the impact this journey has had on me—that will last forever.
Softball has been my home, my passion, my teacher.
And while I don’t know exactly what’s next, I do know one thing—wherever I go, whatever I do, the lessons from this game will always be with me.
For more Kent State of Mind narratives, click here.
