For as long as I can remember, my falls have been spent at the ballparks, traveling state to state each weekend, making the most of it with my best friends. Softball felt as if it were not just something I do, but something I eat, sleep and breathe. My entire life and personality, in ways, reflect how each weekend would go. After 12 incredible years on the field, the “goodbye” to the travel ball college recruiting part has come to an end. The first of the lasts for my senior year.
From countless road trips, catching flights, missing school, and early morning games, travel softball has taught me more than just how to field a ball or hit a home run. It’s taught me never to give up on something you’re passionate about. How to be dedicated to something that you’ll give it everything you’ve got and some. As well as how to overcome the obstacles in front of you, because there is no such thing as an “easy path.” It’s brought me friendships, my best friends, that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. As well as so many amazing memories with all my teammates throughout all the years.
The sport has also brought me plenty of challenges to make it not so sunshine and rainbows. As an example, a lot of these recruiting showcases are out of state, which is so much fun, but it also causes me to miss a lot of school and feel behind. It was really important to have that time management skill, which took me some time to learn as a natural procrastinator. It was also important to communicate ahead of time to my teachers, because as time went on I knew they were there to help me and wanted the best for me, not wanting to see me struggle as a student athlete.
It’s bittersweet knowing that this chapter is coming to a close, but I am also excited for what the future holds. I’m grateful for every opportunity this sport has given me and will continue to give me. I’ll cherish these final moments on the field as a high schooler. Here’s to one last ride with these girls this winter/spring. Making the most of every game, every practice, and every moment before we all break off this summer and go play the sport we love at the collegiate level all across the United States yet again.