For 13 years, I dedicated my life to softball. I would eat, sleep, and breathe softball. Growing up I spent more hours on the diamond than I did in my own house. I would play fall ball, summer leagues, and in regular season. There was a time where I played for multiple teams at the same time. I had always planned to be a softball player for the rest of my life, but that didn't happen. One day I walked off the field and I never stepped back on it again.
My senior game was the last time that I put on my uniform, laced my cleats, swung a bat, and cheered on my teammates from inside the dugout and on the field. All the practices, games, and conditioning sessions that led up to that moment passed way too quickly, even though in the moments where I was drenched in sweat from suicide runs in 85 degree weather I felt like the days dragged. All I have of those days now is scars and memories. My glove stayed in my bat bag along with fifteen empty water bottles and batting gloves that have seen better days. Now, I watch from the bleachers wishing that I was back on the field. I wish that I was able to play just one more game.
If there was any piece of advice that I could give to little girls who are new to the game or seniors who are playing for the last time, I would tell them to cherish every moment and not to rush. I know how bad wall sits suck and the horrible feeling that you get when you're in a slump. I know what it's like to win a championship game and to be benched for being too competitive, but never rush those moments. When you're in a slump, practice harder. When you win a game, do so with pride but be humble because the girls in the other dug out just lost. Understand that your coaches only push you so hard because they want you to excel and they want you to be just as proud of yourself as they are of you. When they tell you not to dip your knee, don't dip your knee. When they tell you not to pick up the ball with your glove, don't. They know what they're talking about and you don't. Enjoy each and every single game because one day it will all be over. Never ever take anything within this sport for granted; make sure that you love every single second. Your teammates will become your best friends. You will spend more time with them than you will with your family. They are the only people in the world who understand exactly how each win, loss, strike out, and homerun feels. Most importantly, always remember why you played the game and why you fell so deeply in love with it. There are going to be days where you want to quit, but don't. Push yourself because if you quit, you may regret it.
There will be a time when you put your glove down forever and that's okay but when you do, make sure you gave the sport everything it's ever given to you.
