Senior Tallulah McColgin started playing softball when she was 10, along with her younger sister, freshman Dot McColgin. The McColgin sisters started to play through a recreational league near their house. Now, the sisters get to play together for Tallulah’s senior season on varsity softball before she continues to play for Purchase University.
After Tallulah played with her rec league, she played for Greater East Austin Youth Association before she started her softball career at McCallum. Tallulah notes that her freshman year wasn’t a perfect start to her high school career, but it gave her motivation for sophomore year.
“My sophomore year, I told myself that wasn’t going to happen again, I need to be more organized, I’m going to work harder and get back on track.” Tallulah said.
Her sophomore season was when Tallulah started to realize that she wanted to play in college. The thought had never crossed her mind until then. She thought that she didn’t really have a chance due to how inexperienced she felt. But nonetheless, talking to other players who also wanted to play in college helped her decide what she wanted to do.
“I was like, you know, I haven’t really been doing this as long as other people, but why not give it a try.” Tallulah said.
Her recruiting process took some time and effort, but she continued to persevere and push for her dream. She started by signing up for sites and camps to hopefully be seen by college coaches. She began to write emails to them, not always getting replies, but eventually she got replies from coaches up in the northeast. From there, she talked to more coaches and played in camps until she was given an offer.
“I got an offer I really liked, since it had my major, and I liked the team and the coaches were really nice.” Tallulah said.
Tallulah will double major in art and environmental science at Purchase University.
Throughout her high school career, her parents and coaches have been a large support for her. McCallum’s head softball coach, Rachel Whatley, has been a helpful motivator for Tallulah as she played throughout high school. Tallulah noted that Whatley is a tough coach, but always wants to push the team to become better.
“She told me that when I was a freshman, she knew I had more in me, and I needed to realize that for myself,” Tallulah said, “So I have her to thank for believing in me and pushing me.”
Whatley said that when Tallulah started at McCallum she immediately noticed that she possessed the qualities of a good player.
“She was a really hard worker, self-motivated, she really tried to be the best, she tried to get better at every part, and every correction and criticism we gave her she took it and ran with it.” Whatley said.
Tallulah has left an impact on the team that Whatley can only describe as positive. She says that Tallulah makes the team a more positive place, and is always willing to help out.
“She’s just so positive, she’s happy, smiley, and she doesn’t complain,” Whatley said, “If someone makes an error or is down on themselves, she is the first one to go over there and help them.”
Throughout her recruitment process, Tallulah’s parents have always been her number one supporters. They were the ones to push her to continue playing even when she hit a slump the summer of 2025.
“I was really doubting myself, like maybe I can’t play in college after all, maybe I shouldn’t keep going with this.” Tallulah said.
Throughout her slump, her parents have given her comfort, but also perspective. They said that Tallulah can always stop playing, but also to not completely shut softball out. They said that if you stop playing, you miss out on all sorts of opportunities.
“I kept putting myself out there and it paid off.” Tallulah said.
She looks forward to playing softball in college, but is also nervous. She’s moving to New York, and she knows that college level softball will be harder than high school. But despite the nervousness, Tallulah said she’s excited to live in a new place and the new opportunities and challenges that come with college ball.
“I’m looking forward to having that challenge, and continuing to grow as a player.” she said.
Although Tallulah is excited for college, she is also excited about her last season at McCallum, which this year includes her sister. They have been playing together for a long time, and Dot is grateful that she has someone to rely on this season.
“I think it’ll be easier, because we’ve played together for a really long time, so I immediately know a person on varsity.” Dot said.
When Dot found out she made varsity as a freshman, she was ecstatic. She’s excited to play with her sister and continue to play the sport she loves.
“I was really happy, softball is my main sport and I was really excited to play with my sister.” Dot said.
Tallulah noticed the hard work that Dot has put into her sport and appreciates that it all paid off.
“I’m so happy, I’m so proud of her, she worked so hard.” Tallulah said.
Dot is looking forward to playing against rivals, and some friends, and starting her high school softball career.
“I’m really looking forward to playing competitive games, and seeing other friends on other high school teams and having a really fun season.” Dot said.
Overall, they are both so happy that they get Tallulah’s last season together and that they are able to complete the circle of playing together.
“It’s making our sister bond deeper and I’m so lucky I get this year with her.” Tallulah said.