For Paislee Garrison, the softball field is a place to compete, connect and be completely herself.

Paislee grew up in a big, sports-loving family that enjoys everything from softball and baseball to kickball and swimming. Her grandparents, Glo and Ron Swift, introduced her to softball and encouraged her to chase her goals. She credits her grandmother, whom she calls “the biggest baller I know,” with helping shape the player she is today.

Her coaches continue that support. Sam Nichols and Pete push Paislee to work hard, stay accountable and improve every day. Her pitching coach, Jill, has helped her become both the pitcher she is today and the one she is still becoming.

“Nothing gets past Jill,” Paislee said. “She coaches hard and loves even harder.”

That combination of encouragement and determination has helped Paislee face her biggest challenge: dyslexia. Before she understood her learning difference, other children teased and bullied her for learning differently. Softball gave her a place where she felt capable and accepted.

On the field, Paislee found that there were no letters to piece together, except for plenty of “Ks” in the scorebook. She advanced from Oakdale recreational softball to pitching at the Premier Girls Fastpitch level.

Paislee brings energy to every team she joins. She cheers loudly for her teammates, keeps the mood upbeat and maintains a positive attitude whether the team wins or loses. When time allows, she also coaches younger girls and encourages them to enjoy the game.

Now, she is turning her experience into an opportunity for others through Paislee’s P23 event. Scheduled for Oct. 10, 2026, the event will combine a softball clinic with a group discussion about dyslexia and other learning differences. Paislee will share how she learned to see dyslexia not as a weakness, but as her superpower.

Her goal is for every participant to leave knowing she is not alone and excited to discover her own special strength.

When Paislee is not pitching, coaching or training, she enjoys swimming, traveling, spending time with friends and creating TikTok and Instagram videos. Whatever she is doing, she brings the same curiosity, competitiveness and contagious enthusiasm.