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As an avid student of psychology, Niwot senior Aleris Law knows a little bit about how the human mind works. So when asked about her newfound success at the plate for the Cougar softball team this year, she had a ready explanation.

“I think I’m just a lot more relaxed. The past couple of years, there have been a lot of really heavy hitters on our team and all of these people going off to play softball in college,” she explained, citing former Niwot pitcher Grace Ladd, now in her freshman year at Brown. “This year we have more of a focus on having fun…so I’m just concentrating on what I’m doing at the time, and it just kind of flows.”

That mindset helps explain the fourth-year varsity shortstop’s success off the diamond as well. When she’s not hitting singles for the Cougars, Law maintains a 4.3 grade point average in Niwot’s demanding IB program. Earlier this month, she was named one of seven National Merit Semifinalists from Niwot, an honor she earned by scoring in the top percentile on the PSAT. She is now eligible to apply for one of the 7,500 Merit Scholarships that will be awarded to high school seniors around the country next spring.

Law said that focusing on one thing at a time is what helps her maintain excellence in both her academic and athletic pursuits. “Coach always tells us that we’re students first and athletes second, and I think that really applies to me also. When I come down to the field, I forget about school for a while, and when I’m in school, I don’t think about softball until it’s time for a game.”

Ed Navarro

Aleris Law at bat against Northridge on Sept. 11

For Niwot head coach Bobby Matthews, Law’s offensive surge has been a pleasant surprise this season. “She’s probably our hottest hitter since the Erie tournament,” the coach said of his co-captain. Law is currently batting .463 for the Cougars, up from .304 in 2016. Since Sep. 5, she has 10 hits, nine runs and seven RBI. “That’s huge. She gives it everything she has. She’s a great kid, and a hard worker.”

“Academically, she’s amazing,” he added.

As for plans after high school, the senior said she hasn’t decided on any particular institution, but plans to apply to colleges both in and out of state, including CU and Ivy League schools. She plans to study psychology, bioengineering or biochemistry.