Summer Send-off: Dara Moore

This week, Brookwood Athletics is highlighting our athletes from the Class of 2018 transitioning to their time in college. Today's is Dara Moore, who will be going to Young Harris College in North Georgia to study and be a member of the Mountain Lions softball team. To read Dara's Q&A, click here!
Young Harris College is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Peach Belt Conference. Dara was named a GISA All-Star and Region Player-of-the-Year this past year, helping lead Warrior Softball to their best season in recent memory. The Warriors finished as Region 3-AAA Runner-Ups in 2017.

Describe your recruitment process and how you chose Young Harris College. What were you looking for in a college?

Dara Moore: My recruitment process was definitely something to remember. I traveled across the U.S. just to reach the college level of softball. Going into my freshman year I had a couple of Division I and Division II offers. However, I had a major setback my sophomore year (the biggest year for softball recruiting) due to a shoulder injury. I came back my junior year knowing that I had some serious work to do. Lots of emailing coaches, college showcase tournaments, and prospect camps took place. That same year, I received more interests and offers, and I made my decision to play at Young Harris. I chose YHC because it was a small campus with a family-like community, and the beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the campus sparked another interest for me.

What are you looking forward to most about your Freshman year of college?

DM: I’m definitely looking forward to new friendships and adventures, as well as new responsibilities as I become more independent. It’s a big change, but I’m ready to gain experience and have some fun on and off the softball field.

How have you spent your summer as you transition from Brookwood to your next stop in collegiate athletics?

DM: I’ve spent my summer working out 5 to 6 days a week. I receive workouts from my college coach every Sunday. I usually complete them in the mornings or late afternoon so I can actually put in some offensive and defensive work on the field. I’ve been spending what time I have left in South Georgia with family and friends. I really look forward to coming back on breaks to attend some Brookwood games.

What differences at the collegiate level in your sport are you anticipating or preparing for?

DM: I’m definitely going to have to be prepared for more rigorous conditioning than I have done in the past. I have mentally prepared myself for how hard I have to work to earn my position on the field. With more than 20 girls on a college roster, you already know that there is always someone willing and ready to take your spot if you don’t put in the work.

What's a lesson or skill you've learned playing at Brookwood that will help you at the next level?

DM: Brookwood taught me what I have to do to become a leader and encourage my teammates. Without those things, I could not become the player and teammate that I aspire to be.

Any advice for younger Warriors at Brookwood aspiring to play at the collegiate level?

DM: Never give up even when you have some of the most challenging and frustrating moments on the field. Keep working and you will overcome. Be a leader, and be someone who always has your teammates’ backs. Finally, push yourself beyond what your mind thinks you are capable of, and you will become an all-around better athlete, physically and mentally.

Good luck at Young Harris, Dara! Keep up with Dara by following the Young Harris Mountain Lions at http://yhcathletics.com/ 
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Brookwood School

Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.