As softball season approaches, I can't help but look back over my time playing this wonderful game. This will be the first spring in a while that I haven't had to run to a practice or a game. This deeply saddens me. The worst feeling was walking off the field for the last time. As I picked up my equipment, I knew I would have to face the crowd of people that supported me and the team for the four years that I was a Community Softball Viqueen.

For about three months, my life was planned around my softball schedule. It if wasn't a game then it was practice. It was definitely my busiest time of the year. My schedule was consistent. Sometimes practice at 6:30 in the morning, school at 8, and practice at 3 or sometimes at 5. After that was for homework and resting from practice. Busy. Busy. Busy.

These four years were fun. Away games were my favorite because the ride there and back was always interesting. I would sit in back and be designated DJ for the whole trip. I would play all the old songs that everyone loves and get us all hype before a game. The ride back consisted of some throwback jams and a few rounds of the game Heads Up where the losing team had to get all the equipment. These rides were what brought the team together. Team bonding was the best.

These four years where frustrating. I have had my share of painful slumps where I didn't even want to touch a field. Tears were shed and thoughts of quitting had ran through my mind, and after all the hard work had been put in something would click and I would some how manage to make it out. Frustration would set in with every score that we had to run. Cam would make us run scores, which were just running around the bases. I have vowed to myself to never run another score in my life.

I'll never forget all the friendships that I've made through this sport. Some of them lifelong friends. I never would have made if it wasn't for the girls on the team. It was like we were all on the same page. I cherish all the moments we have shared together.

While being a part of this team, I learned that every accomplishment, big or small, was a big deal. When you finally get a hit after being in a slump, scoring the winning run only by being hit by a pitch. These all matter. During my four years we were devoted to not being the "old community," who everyone expected to beat. We worked our tails off and began to turn heads and give everyone a run for their money. I also learned that it's not over until we slap hands at the end. I've been in games that we had to fight from the bottom to come back and win. Sometimes we didn't. The pure fight was good enough for me. I feel like we stood for something and changed the idea of Community Softball.

Those four years were a roller coaster. I wouldn't have had it any other way. My advice to the players is to never give up. It is a privilege to be on the team so take it seriously. Any time you step on that field could be your last, so play like it. Play for the seniors. It's their last season and it is sad when it's over. Love your school, Love your team, and love each other.

Good luck to my girls at Community and I hope to be at all the games. Keep working hard and I promise it will pay off!