Sports Spotlight: Caryssa Orland | Observer Preps

As a member of the Olympia softball team, Caryssa Orland has become a leader for the Titans during her high-school career. Before looking forward to playing Division I ball at Florida Atlantic University next year, Orland is hoping to make her senior year her best one yet as she takes on multiple roles as a shortstop/pitcher/outfielder for the Titans.

When did you first start playing softball?

I was 8 years old, and I loved this sport. My sister played, so I wanted to play, because it looked like it was really fun and competitive.

Through your four years of softball at Olympia, what has been your favorite part?

My favorite thing is working with new girls every year, trying to make them and the program better, and just learning different aspects of the game.

What has been the biggest challenge playing high-school softball?

Because it’s different from travel ball, probably playing with a different group of girls — travel ball and high school are way different. It (high-school softball) is not as competitive, I guess.

How long have you been playing for the Florida Storm?

I had started with the Orlando Aftershock — that’s when I first started, when I was 8 — and then we changed our name to a different organization, so I’ve been playing 10 years on the same team.

What motivates you to play this sport?

Probably just watching college softball — I’m always watching it, and it makes me more motivated to get to the next level.

What is some of the best advice you’ve been given?

I would say to never give up and follow your dreams, because you never know where it’s going to take you.

Have you always played at shortstop and pitcher?

In club ball, I usually play centerfield and shortstop, because that’s what I got recruited for. I like playing centerfield, because you get to the read the ball more and you get to dive. … I feel like more balls are hit out there, so you get more action.

You and your sister (Cameryn) both play for the Olympia softball team. What’s that like?

It’s actually good, because we both like each other and we don’t argue that much. We just help each other improve and cheer each other on.

Will you be playing alongside your sister at the next level?

I’m going to Florida Atlantic University to play Division I softball, so when I’m a junior, she will be a freshman, and we’ll get to play two years together there.

What will you miss most about Olympia? 

I’ll definitely miss the girls I’ve made relationships with and Bobby (Brewer). He’s actually made me a better player, and he has only been here for a month and a half. He really pushes me to work harder.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would want to go to a country where there is poverty and help out others — like a mission trip — and stay there for two months.