Growing up, I always loved watching baseball with my grandfather. I have always cheered on the Atlanta Braves and the University of Tennesee Vols. Because of that, I always thought playing softball would be the coolest thing, but I never had the chance to play for one reason or another, be it not having a ride or needing to work an after school job. My junior year of high school, I got the opportunity to play in a church league with my boyfriend at the time's church. While I was without a doubt a rookie, it made my love for the sport grow. Fast forward a few years later, and I am now playing on the club softball team at my college.
I started in the club last semester, not knowing a single girl on the team, and only having one church league season of softball under my belt, but that didn't stop me. I have grown a passion for the sport and could not be more grateful for the opportunity I have had to make new friends, build my skills, and play softball. A big part of me was hesitant to join because I never had the chance in high school to play, I figured anyone from my past would think it was weird or I didn't deserve to play because I never went out for the team back then. Even now, I feel the club team is regarded as a joke to those on the "actual" (whatever that means...) teams at my school which is completely ridiculous.
Club sports have intense practices, and usually, in schools like my own, it isn't someone's parent or a member of the community with coaching background coming out to train the teams. It is hard working students supporting each other, teaching (and learning from) each other, and working their asses off to be able to bring in as many wins as we can. Just because someone isn't on an NCAA team doesn't mean they aren't serious about their sport.
If you see classmates promoting a game on campus or in town for their club sport, go support them! Every student on that team has worked hard to better their skills and deserves as many fans as possible. If your friends ask you to come and cheer them on, go and bring some friends! And, if you have the chance to ever play a club sport, do it! It doesn't matter if you're the best on the field or have ever played before. It's all about what you bring to the team; sometimes a great attitude and good sportsmanship mean mountains over skills! It's college, we're not only out here to get an education but most of us also come for the experience. Nothing feels better than cheering on your peers to bring in a win for your school, even if it isn't for a league or championship trophy. #LetsgoG!
