My freshman year of college was a whirlwind and took some time to adjust. From balancing division 1 softball and academics to living with roommates and eating cafe food. I was fortunate to have seniors that showed me the ropes and didn't look down upon me just because I was a freshman. While college has taught me many lessons along the way, here are six lessons I learned specifically from the seniors my freshman year. Hopefully, I'll be able to apply these lessons as I go into my senior year of college.

1. Not Everyone's Going to Like The Way You Lead and That's Okay

There's not one way to lead. As I learned from the seniors that year, you can lead in many different ways depending on how the team responds. Some lead by attitude, some lead vocally and some lead by example. As a team leader, you're there to get the team to reach a specific goal, and sometimes, you have to be hard on your teammates. They may not respond well to it, but if it gets you to the goal, it'll be alright.

I remember times when the seniors would be on the underclassman about doing their jobs or holding them accountable. It was tough to take sometimes, but we won a conference championship that year and we realized we needed their push to get us to that goal.

2. It Starts With You

Wherever you go, the team goes.It starts at the top. You want the team to be accountable? You need to be. You want the team to work hard outside of team practice? Be the example. You want the team to care about each other? You need to invest in your teammates. No one is going to follow you if you don't practice what you preach. I was fortunate to have seniors that I could look up to. They provided our team with examples of what it meant to work hard, be good teammates, bring out each other strengths, and work together for a common goal.

3. You Have to Work Harder Than Ever

Nothing will be handed to you. There will be hungry freshmen vying for your position. Those moments when you're not working hard, someone else is. You're getting older and your body has taken quite the beating by now. Tough to compete with some of the younger kids if you don't build up the stamina to do so. Positions are rented year in and year out and there are no guarantees. To stay at the top you have to work harder than you've ever worked before.

4. Invest In The Younger Kids

The younger kids are the future of this program. They are also vital to the team's success. You are not above them. Take time to get to know them and their stories. It will help you as a leader by knowing your team's backgrounds and what struggles they face. By instilling leadership qualities, you are helping to leave a legacy and your mark on the program.

For a majority of my freshman season before a couple people were moved to the outfield, I was the only freshman surrounded by 4 senior outfielders. It was intimidating. However, instead of shaking me off or ignoring me because I was a freshman, the seniors invested in me, helped me become more confident, provided a support system, worked with me to improve my game and made me feel like an important part of the team. And for me, that was so important and critical to our team's success. By reaching out and letting them know you are there for them, makes a huge difference in their approach to the game. I am extremely thankful that the seniors took the time to get to know me and get me through my first year.

5. Support Your Team No Matter the Circumstance

Whether you're injured or not starting, it is important to still support the team. You can still provide the team with energy and positivity even in the dugout. Encouraging the team doesn't require you to be on the field.

I remember that some of our seniors took a non-starting role and we even had one injured, but that didn't stop them from supporting the team. These circumstances could turn players selfish and no longer care about what happens because they're not on the field. Our seniors my freshman year showed support no matter the circumstance. They were always there to pick us up and they were the loudest ones cheering in the dugout. Every role on the team is important. Even just supporting and encouraging a teammate can help pave the way to a championship.

6. Enjoy Every Moment and Never Take a Moment For Granted

They told me it would go by fast. I didn't believe them. And now, here I am sitting here before my senior year, realizing they were right. One of the most important lessons I learned from the seniors my freshman year, is to enjoy every moment because the last time you step out on the field is approaching sooner than you think. Your career could end any day with an injury. You've been playing the game for as long as you can remember and you think it will last forever. The reality is, it doesn't. When you're done, you're done and you can't go back and change any of it. So it's important to love every moment you are on that field.

I will never forget watching the seniors cry after our final game of the season. It was heartbreaking. However, it also made me realize that was going to be me a lot faster than I thought. When I take off my cleats for the very last time and sit in that last group huddle, I don't want to be crying because I wish I could have done this or that. I hope I will feel that I have given everything to this game and have no regrets. The seniors taught me to love the game even more, and cherish every second I get on the field and with my teammates because it's all over in the blink of an eye.

Thank you to the incredible seniors that I had my freshman year for showing me selflessness, what it meant to be a good teammate, and making my freshman year one of the best years of my college career. Thank you for taking the time to invest in me and for caring about me as a person. I will forever be grateful to you for taking me under your wing and showing me how to survive the crazy world of college.Thank you for leaving your mark on the program. And even though you've graduated and moved on to bigger and better things, thank you for continuing to be there for me whenever I need you. I will always remember the memories we made and cherish them. You've influenced my life and approach to the game more than you know and I am blessed to have gotten to share the field with you. I hope to be half the seniors you were. Thank you for everything and I love you guys.