Canute’s Sayde Allen
By Elizabeth Contreras
From the moment she first picked up a softball at just five years old, Canute sophomore Sayde Allen has shown a natural passion for the game. Now a standout third baseman, she’s making her mark on the field while also demonstrating leadership and dedication through her involvement in FFA.
“My teammates are like sisters to me,” Allen shares, noting that the culture at Canute makes a big difference. Family has also been a cornerstone of her success. “My parents have always been there for me, getting me everywhere I need to go, even across the country.”
That support has allowed her to balance school, sports, and other passions seamlessly.
For Allen, mental preparation is all about mindset.
“I focus on having fun,” she explains. “If you don’t, you will never play to the best of your ability.” This positive outlook has helped her navigate moments of adversity, like juggling livestock shows with FFA and softball games. “I’m lucky to have people who help me get from place to place and support me with everything,” she adds.
The adrenaline of tough games and the sisterhood shared with teammates fuel her passion for the sport year after year. And while her coaches and teammates push her to excel on the field, FFA has been just as influential in shaping her character.
“I was born into FFA,” she reflects. Now vice president of her chapter, Allen competes nationwide in livestock shows and manages her projects with discipline and intention. “FFA teaches responsibility and hard work, from early mornings to late nights,” she explains.
One of her proudest moments, she reflects, came when she hit a ball over the fence for the first time, an experience she’ll always cherish. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue her education in animal science at college, maintaining her passion for both softball and FFA.
When asked what she hopes to be remembered for, she points to the experiences that have shaped her: “All the long bus rides, the lessons learned, and the time spent with friends and family.”
Those experiences, she says, are what define her. Not just the victories on the field or in the show ring, but the dedication, hard work, and connections that will stay with her long after high school.
