Fresh from the Women’s College World Series, Bella Dayton will be here this weekend hosting a softball camp at Wylie High School, where she spent four years playing.

Though her team, the University of Texas, succumbed to Oklahoma in Game 1 16-1 and Game 2 10-5, Dayton says she wouldn’t change a thing.

Wylie High School graduate of 2019, Bella Dayton played first base and outfield for the Pirates.

“Our end goal was to go to the WCWS,” Dayton said. “A lot of people on the outside didn't think we could make it; that was motivation. Everybody on the team contributed, not just one or two people that made our wins happen.” 

At the top of the seventh, Oklahoma led 10-2. In the last inning, the Longhorns came back and put in three runs. 

“We showed people who we are with scoring,” Dayton said. “After the game, we gave respect to the other team. It’s always a dog fight between us and Oklahoma.”

Even though they lost the final two matchups, Dayton still felt fulfilled.

“You can only grow and get better. So you have something to look forward to. I told a little girl that just the other day,” Dayton said. “At the end of the day, my team was strong for me and they always reminded me of who I was as a person and as a player.”

Dayton grew up in Wylie ISD with her parents and four brothers, who also attended Wylie High School and played sports.

Former Pirate Bella Dayton played in the final matchup against Oklahoma at the Women’s College World Series June 9, 2022.

“My oldest brother, Nick, played baseball,” she said. “Watching his games got me to where I am. He gives me advice on my games. We’re the same person, he hates to admit it. All of my brothers and I were really close growing up. We always rooted for each other.”

Dayton is studying physiology at UT Austin and hopes to become a physician’s assistant or pediatric surgeon.

“I was intrigued by the medical field and pediatrics in general,” Dayton said. “I love kids. I want to do a bunch of internships to see what aspect I like the most.”

She has given back to the community a great deal with community service.

“As an athlete, we come across so many different things. The love kids have for us, you can see it in their eyes, that’s why I want to work with them.”

Dayton gets to spend more time with young athletes this week at Wylie High’s Camp of Champs. 

“I couldn’t have asked for a better high school career. I love giving back to them.”