McLean Connection

McLean catcher Bella Norton knew from a young age that she wanted to play college softball. Once she got to high school, it didn’t take Norton long to choose the college at which she would play.

Norton committed to Indiana University at the beginning of her sophomore year. She has remained motivated despite committing early in her high school career, citing her desire to be the best.

After spending her freshman season as the Highlanders’ designated hitter, Norton moved behind the plate as a sophomore. As a junior in 2015, Norton batted .450 and earned first-team all-Conference 6, first-team all-6A North region and first-team VHSL all-state honors. She was also named first-team All-Met by the Washington Post.

Now a rising senior, Norton has one more season at McLean before competing at the Division I level. She recently participated in a Q&A via email with The Connection.

Connection: What was it about Indiana that made you commit?

Norton: It was a combination of the beauty of the school, the academic excellence and the B1G competition/amazing softball I'd be playing. The biggest thing for me was IU will obviously be a huge challenge, going into the collegiate level, but they have a loving, family feel about their organization and school I felt nowhere else. I fell in love with everything about it.

Connection: Were there specific reasons behind why you decided to commit to a college at the beginning of your sophomore year?

Norton: At that time in my recruiting process other offers were being presented to me. I visited other schools but when Indiana University came up, as soon as I walked on campus I just knew it was the school for me.

Connection: What teams did you play for prior to high school that allowed you to receive a DI offer early in your high school career?

Norton: I played with the Vienna Stars organization from the time I was 11 years old. I guest played with 18U Gold when I was in eighth grade, and the program was so strong and allowed me to play with the best girls in the country and gave me the exposure that I needed. Although I don't play for the organization anymore, the Stars, combined with my efforts to be recruited got me to where I am today and I'm very thankful for that.

Connection: What teams do you play for now, other than McLean?

Norton: I play for the Newtown Rock 18U Gold (Garvey). They are based in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Connection: How, if it all, do you feel being committed to a college affected your approach to softball during your sophomore and junior seasons?

Norton: It has affected my work ethic and approach to the game in the best way possible. I want to be THE best, and I want to represent Indiana the best way I possibly can. Every practice, every game, I am working for Indiana, and I'm ultimately working on becoming the best. I am playing to grow as a player so I am ready to go when I get to Indiana. It's given me even more drive and passion playing the game of softball.

Connection: At what age did you start playing softball?

Norton: I started playing softball when I was 4 years old.

Connection: When did you realize playing college softball was an option for you?

Norton: When I was 10, I saw the University of Alabama play on TV, and ever since then my goal was to play at the biggest and most competitive level of softball I was able to reach. In middle school, I got my first look and I really started to look at colleges that I could potentially go to, to play softball.

Connection: What is the most difficult part of being a catcher? What is the most rewarding?

Norton: The most difficult part of being a catcher is the same as the most rewarding, which is being the leader of the field and developing your IQ of the game. It's difficult to master, but there's something about having your teammates trust you and knowing you have each other’s backs that is really special.

Connection: You're sitting around playing a board game with family/friends. Do you play to have fun or play to win?

Norton: I'm the most competitive person I know. I definitely play to win.

Connection: Do you have a specific game day routine?

Norton: I have to write the number 24 (for Madison Small) on my hand before every single game to honor her. I hit before warm ups even start on a normal game day. I'm very superstitious, so for high school, I have to eat a tuna sandwich no matter what. I have to wear the same sports bra and spandex under my uniform, and I have a specific 30-song playlist I have to listen to before I play.

Connection: What do you like to do when you’re not playing a sport?

Norton: I love seeing my goddaughter, Georgia, when I'm not playing softball. I love being around my family. I love to work out when I'm not playing softball and reading about old bands and music.

Connection: Are you a pro sports fan? Which team(s) do you root for?

Norton: The Nationals! My favorite sport and team to watch.

Connection: What location is the farthest you've traveled from the Washington, D.C metro area?

Norton: The farthest I've traveled is California.

Connection: What’s your favorite food?

Norton: I love Lebanese food all around (cause I'm Lebanese), but my favorite is grape leaves.

Connection: Who is your favorite music artist? Why?

Norton: I love Aerosmith, Van Halen and Rush. I love classic rock; it's my favorite kind of music.

Connection: What is your favorite movie?

Norton: ‘Mean Girls.’