After two transfers, Kadie Becker commits to NC State, seeking growth, appreciation, and impact
Kadie Becker Commits to NC State
It may sound cliché to say third time is the charm, but with Kadie Becker, that very well may be the case. Yesterday, Becker announced her commitment to Coach Lindsay Leftwich and the North Carolina State Wolfpack softball program.
One thing that immediately stood out, this marks Becker’s third stop in three years. She spent her freshman season at Charlotte under Coach Ashley Chastain Woodard, then transferred to South Carolina along with Coach Chastain Woodard. While transferring is often a touchy subject for some, I believe that if it’s for good reason and in the best interest of the athlete, then so be it.
I had the chance to speak with Kadie Becker yesterday evening, and she was gracious and open in discussing her journey and the decisions that led her to this point.
Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right fit can be tricky. Even when something feels like a dream opportunity, it may not turn out the way you imagined.
I asked Becker if her decision to transfer to South Carolina was purely because of the coaching move. Her answer? A little bit of both.
“The biggest reason I followed is because I had already built a relationship with Coach Chastain, and USC was always my dream school growing up, so it felt like all the pieces were coming together. A lot of my former teammates went there, so it was like my family was already there.”
It made perfect sense, relationships, familiarity, and a dream school all in one place.
But then came the question: Why leave?
“My decision to depart from Columbia was a decision that I had to make for myself and my career. I wanted to be somewhere where I felt appreciated, and be at a place that I felt I could make an immediate impact. The Wolfpack program felt right in every way. There are so many opportunities for me to grow and develop while playing for a top school in the ACC and play for a staff who genuinely cares about you on and off the field. That was important for me.”
And for the record, I did ask her if there were any hard feelings toward South Carolina or the staff. She was clear.
“I have nothing against them.”
First Impressions Matter
I’ve had the chance to see Coach Lindsay Leftwich coach in person and operate in the recruiting and scouting space, and she’s always struck me as genuine and down-to-earth. So I asked Kadie about her first impressions of the NC State staff.
“My first impression of this staff was WOW! It was like no one that I had ever spoken to before. This staff genuinely wanted to get to know me instead of trying to sell me on the school. They asked all the right questions, told me how they see me growing and developing, and I already felt appreciated!”
That connection was a big part of why Raleigh felt like home right away.
Kadie Becker’s Message to Wolfpack Nation
To wrap up our conversation, I asked Kadie what NC State fans can expect from her, and how she views her role in the circle.
What I got was a selfless, team-first answer that shows the kind of energy she’s bringing to the program.
“I’m looking to bring a lot of energy to Raleigh and I’m looking to help take this team to an ACC championship and then to regionals! The fans can expect me to have a lot of energy in the circle, leadership in the circle, and a competitive spirit! I have always prided myself on being a good teammate and that will not change.”
As for her role?
“I’m not looking for a certain role in itself. I want to get any job done that is asked of me. Whatever the team and coaches need from me is what I want to do. If I am a starter or a closer, the team will get 110% from me. I do not know any other way.”
There you have it. Kadie Becker’s journey, her reasoning for choosing NC State, and what Wolfpack Nation can look forward to. As I said at the start, third time may truly be the charm. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right place where you feel valued, supported, and positioned to grow. Raleigh, North Carolina, looks to be just that for Kadie Becker.
