Twitter users worldwide were stunned to learn that new CEO Elon Musk placed limits on the number of tweets they could see over the weekend. One of the tweets many Auburn fans and college softball fans alike were able to see was [autotag]Carlee McCondichie[/autotag]’s announcement that she would be stepping away from softball.
McCondichie, Auburn’s primary second baseman over the last two seasons, was one of six notable athletes from Auburn’s 2023 roster to enter the transfer portal following the season. Four players have found new homes, while McCondichie has elected to go in another direction.
She tweeted Sunday afternoon that she will not use her 5th season of eligibility gained due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is sad when a young girl who has played the sport for 18 years of her 22-year life has no interest or desire in playing a 5th year,” McCondichie shared in a tweet.
Her reasoning behind stepping away from the game she has played for most of her life is due to feeling like she was seen as just an athlete and not a human. One instance that she mentioned was she was benched for “failing.” She included that she gave her all for Auburn softball, and was, in turn, benched on senior day.
“I will always continue to support Auburn Softball PLAYERS,” McCondichie said. “But for me, my softball career is OVER and the thought of even playing one game brings me much anxiety, sadly.”
Sophomore first baseman [autotag]Bri Ellis[/autotag] shared a similar testimony last month.
“Why should we force ourselves to stay somewhere that we know isn’t right?” Ellis said in a tweet. “Why should we limit ourselves to stay exactly where we are when we as humans are meant to expand and flourish?”
Ellis has since transferred to Arkansas.
McCondichie’s college career ends with an average of .326, 98 hits, seven home runs, 50 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. In the field, she committed just seven errors in 166 games.
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Check out McCondichie’s full thread here:
I will not be taking a 5th year. This thread is not directed towards Auburn University. I love Auburn with my whole heart and every single girl that is part of the Auburn softball program. It is sad when a young girl who has played the sport for 18 years of her 22 year life has https://t.co/qNqoH1qWPI
— carlee (@CMcCondichie) July 2, 2023
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