Southmoreland junior Faith Miller is described by her friends as “bubbly, outgoing, and involved in her community.” Behind all of this, Miller is a hard working teenager who is dedicated to the sport she loves.

Within the past few months, Miller has been talking to the softball coach at Robert Morris University, a division one school located near Pittsburgh.

“It’s has always been my dream to attend a D1 school,” Miller said.

She has been working for this dream since she was 6 years old, playing t-ball with local baseball boys. Now that she is 17 years old, she plays for an out-of-state traveling softball team called the Ohio Outlaws. Miller’s travel coach, Jimmy Hoffner, explains the road she has traveled to become who she is today.

“I’ve noticed her progression over the last couple of years, it’s her maturity, confidence, and belief that she is a Division I softball player,” Hoffner says.

“A few years ago, if Faith would make an error or have a bad at bat, she would let it affect the rest of her game,” Hoffner said. “But now she understands that it’s part of the game.”

Miller said has grown a short memory in her play and has chosen to learn from her mistakes. She has thrived as a player by using this tactic, and it has allowed her to succeed in the so-called “game of failure.”

“Committing to RMU was one of the happiest days of my life,” Miller said. “I felt like all the hard work I’ve ever put in has finally paid off.”

Miller added that “There were a lot of sacrifices made to get where I am today.” She often has missed plans with friends and high school dances in order to be able to “touch or hit a softball once a day.”

This dedication is not the only thing Miller chalks her success up to.

“The passion I have for this game, and just wanting to get better every day, is my driving force,” Miller said. She describes herself as “blessed” for the opportunity she has been given to play the sport she loves.

Miller tells of the first time she visited RMU. Before the visit, she wanted to attend a smaller division I school where she could be closer to her professors; however, Miller said “when I went on my visit (to RMU), I automatically felt at home.”

She loves the programs they have there, adding that “just everything RMU has to offer” appealed to her. With a light-hearted tone, Miller laughs when she says, “I also love the (school) colors!” Everything was perfect to her, and it was all she’s ever wanted. Miller will be majoring in biology. After that, she plans to attend a medical school in hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant.

With all the accomplishments Miller has achieved in the classroom and on the softball field, she said her proudest moment still is “winning the WPIAL title with (her) best friends from Southmoreland High School” last season.