By: Ellory Fuqua
Life is about balance. Balance as a student athlete doesn’t come easy and achieving it takes much effort and a strong work ethic. Toss in moving across the globe and facing a new culture and customs, many people would reach a peak state of overwhelmedness. Not softball outfielder Mikayla Lewin.
The Lower Hutt, New Zealand native has thrived in her time at Chipola College. So much so that she was named this year’s winner of the Jean Williams Award. The award recognizes the FCSAA top scholar softball athlete of the year in the state of Florida.
In her two years at Chipola, Lewin held a 4.0 GPA while seeking an engineering degree. She was named to the Dean’s List both semesters of her freshman year and the Fall 2019 semester.
However, Lewin’s academic success translates to the diamond seamlessly. As a freshman, Mikayla was an active member of the 2019 NJCAA National Championship team, the 2019 District H Region 8 Championship team, and the 2019 Panhandle Conference Championship team.
Her contributions in the championship run did not stop on the state level. In the Lady Indians' journey to the top, Mikayla was named to the NJCAA National All-Tournament team, the FCSAA All-Tournament team, and First Team All-Panhandle Conference. She was also named to the NJCAA All-Academic First Team and the FCSAA All-Academic Team.
Statistically, during her freshman season, Lewin had a batting average of .405 with eight home runs, and 54 RBIs. Lewin was on pace for another stellar 2020 season before COVID-19 struck and shut down the season before the Indians could defend their national title. In her brief sophomore season, the outfielder was leading the team in home runs and RBIs. She had a batting average of .425 and eight home-runs.
Chipola Athletic director Jeff Johnson described Lewin as a wonderful leader.
“She represents Chipola College, the FCSAA, and the NJCAA well in all areas of life,” Johnson said.
Outside of academics and athletics, Lewin has invested in her local community in her two years in Marianna. Along with her teammates, Lewin coached a local recreation softball league team, as well as volunteering her time to practice with the HOPE School softball team and Partners for Pets.
Due to COVID-19, Lewin’s time as a Indian has come to a close early as she pursues new opportunities in the U.S. at a new institution. But, her legacy will continue to live on as a new Lewin joins the team. Mikayla’s younger sister Caitlyn, will enroll at Chipola College in the Fall of 2020. Caitlyn, unlike her sister, comes in as a short-stop and was scouted by Chipola coaches while competing at the Junior White Sox with her sister at the under-19 Women's World Cup in California a year ago.
As Mikayla exits and Caitlyn enters, rest assured the Chipola coaches are thrilled as the Lewin Legacy continues.
Photo by Tom Hagerty.