‘My mindset switched’: Kamehameha grad McClinton joins Mexican Softball League

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After a stellar collegiate career, Kaneohe softball player Colby McClinton is going pro.

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McClinton played her final college season at Cal State Fullerton, where one of her biggest moments was a walk-off hit against the Rainbow Wahine in the Big West Tournament on the way to a conference title.

“Going into that last at bat, where it almost felt like the fate of the game was in my hands, I just didn’t want the moment to be too big,” said McClinton.

“I remember stepping into the box and telling myself, ‘Okay, take a deep breath. This is nothing different and just win each pitch,’” she said. “I remember thinking just bat straight to ball, like I wasn’t trying to hit a home run.”

McClinton scored a team-high 57 runs this season and was named to the All-Big West First Team for a second straight year.

She said her love of the game was instilled early by her family.

“I was two months old when my parents were playing slow pitch in Keolu Park in Kailua so I mean I was always kind of a park rat, grew up at the park, they’re just big, big sports people,” said McClinton.

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After an exceptional run at Kamehameha Kapalama, McClinton headed to Biola University before transferring to Fullerton, where she became the Titans’ first Hawaii-born softball player.

Next year, McClinton said she plans to play in the Mexico Pro League from January to March.

“At first I was kind of like, ‘Oh I’ll see, I’d be really happy to finish at Fullerton here,’ but my mindset switched and I’m just like, if you have the opportunity than why not do it,” said McClinton.

McClinton also discovered a passion for jewelry-making, and hopes to grow it beyond a hobby.

“I want to go back home and maybe like start learning how to ship and create my own website, because as of right now, I just have an Instagram but I’d love to hopefully grow my business,” said McClinton.

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