Fresno State Athletics
Field of Dreams
4/12/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Each time freshman Caitlin Haworth-Yasger walks onto the Fresno State softball field she is faced with a dream come true.
"Every day I realize how lucky I am to be playing here," Haworth-Yasger said. She always knew she wanted to play softball in college but when the phone call came her senior year from coach Margie Wright she was taken by surprise. "My whole family was so excited and I couldn't believe it. I never thought I would end up here and be part of this softball team." Her decision to come to Fresno State meant turning down offers from Alabama and Texas A&M which was an easy decision for Haworth-Yasger.
"Playing at Fresno State lets me be near my family. My mom is only four hours away and my dad is only three. They've both been able to come to Fresno to see me."
When she arrived at Fresno State this fall she was only 17 but did not have a hard time adjusting to college life away from home. "Being out on my own is something that my mom has prepared me for. She has always taught me to be mature which has helped this past year," Haworth-Yasger said. As the youngest Bulldog on the squad she found it a little bit frustrating having to send home parent-permission slips until her birthday in November.
Her days of softball began before she turned five, which she credits to her step-dad, Tim Yasger. "He was the one that really got me into this sport, he's coached me through all of these years."
Haworth-Yasger has an extended support system through her family and stepfamily. Her mother, Sue Yasger, lives in Yorba Linda, Calif. with her husband Tom and children Jessica and Trey. "The hardest part of leaving home was how much I missed my five-year-old brother Trey," Haworth-Yasger said.
Her father, Tim Haworth, lives in Palmdale, Calif. with his wife Marylu and children Oliver and Mikey. Rounding out Haworth-Yasger's support team is her grandma Tommie Fomby.
Her stepbrother, Oliver, is the same age as Haworth-Yasger and is currently looking for a chance to play basketball in college. "My whole family is a big sports family. They have always supported all of us in athletics," Haworth-Yasger said.
Haworth-Yasger has not seen any playing time this season but is excited about all that she has learned and is looking forward to her upcoming seasons as a Bulldog. "This was overwhelming at first but what I've experienced this season already has been unforgettable."
