In High School, my softball team overcame what seemed to be impossible; winning the Connecticut Class S State Championship two years in a row. Our team didn't win because we had talented players, we won because we were a team and when a team can work well together, they are able to do the impossible.
There is something special about a team that turns into a family. Maybe it's the hours spent together in school then three hours of practice, or the countless food runs before practice, or gossip sessions while getting ready for practice or games, a sense of family gets created that will always be remembered.
It was very difficult to be the team following a state championship team; we had big shoes to fill and we were all determined to fill them. Amazing wins and devastating losses happened throughout the season of my senior year but my team never put themselves down. We all had each other's backs whether someone make an error or struck out ten times in a row.. we were all there to pick each other up. And that is what makes a team special.
Even though softball seems to be an individual sport, it's not. I think it's about how well you work together. You could have the best pitcher in the state but if she had a rough day, and no one is there to pick her back up, the whole game can be over. Softball is about who is going to be behind you when the ball goes through your legs and still get the out. It's about striking out but then the batter after you hits a triple, so it didn't matter that you struck out. And that is what my team is about. I was able to be one of the leaders of the team and watch as we picked each other up from errors on and off the field; from breakups to fights, we were all there.
I believe that is why this team overcame what seemed impossible and that rainy day in June will forever be my favorite day as I watched my family win our second championship. In the end, ten years from now, you won't remember that game you let the ball go between your legs or that you popped up to the pitcher three times in a row... You remember the family you had by your side and the bond you created.
Go get 'em next year girls.
