I’m sure most of us can remember our childhood being filled with endless things we enjoyed and were overly enthusiastic about. For us athletes it was the sport we grew up with and became so fond of, most of us can pinpoint memories down to the smallest detail. Whether it was your first home run, game winning play or getting onto the team of your dreams we all can relate and talk endlessly about each individual experience.
As young athletes we played the game for fun and only dreamed of becoming college athletes. As we grew up and continued some lost interest and stopped playing, while others continued to pursue their wildest dreams to make it too the top. I was that kid, from the time I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a college athlete and play softball. As my friends fell off the wagon and stopped playing I continued to hustle and work my tail off to not only achieve my goals, but make my parents the proudest they have ever been.
From the first time I ever picked up a bat to now that same hustle and mindset to be successful hasn’t changed. You have to work hard to be the best, right? Of course there were times I wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits, but that would’ve made me something less than I am today. It may sound cheesy or cliqué, but softball has defiantly changed my life in more ways than one. There comes a point where the sport you play isn’t just a game or hobby anymore; it’s dedication, love and lifestyle that becomes very near and dear to your heart.
I'm blessed not only for what I've learned from the game of softball, but where it has currently placed me in life. Today, I am a division 2 college softball athlete and getting an education of a lifetime. Through the highs and lows I never gave up on my dream, I kept my eyes on the prize and it paid off.
The lessons I've learned on and off the field have not only helped me succeed as an athlete, but a regular person day to day as well. I had a coach long ago that taught me something called 'The Three P's of Softball'; after all these years it's something I continue to go by.
Perseverance
Through the ups and downs this quality is probably the one that stuck out like a sour thumb. The process to be recruited as a college athlete in general is down right grueling. From a coach saying they want you on their team, and then going behind your back to get someone else is something I'm sure all aspiring athletes can relate too. Through playing the game you have to grow a thick skin to survive the individuals and situations that don't work in your favor. Perseverance is a funny thing that teaches you to work through negativity, when you fall down just get back up again and prove all the doubters wrong.
Patience
Patience is a virtue young grasshopper they say; and what they say is so correct. I've learned the longer I wait for something, the hard work will follow and eventually work its own coarse. Becoming impatient creates negativity and greediness, qualities we find in individuals we typically don't like to associate with. Finding patience within yourself makes the entire process that much more rewarding. Learning a new style of hitting or improving my running times took patience; if I gave up right away I wouldn't have taught myself anything. Patience is a practice makes perfect quality, it doesn't come naturally and you need to have the desire to improve.
Passion
If you aren't passionate about your job or hobby you're doing than what is the purpose of doing it, right? If you play with a constant work mentality and don't enjoy the game, your passion factor will be next to nothing. To succeed you need to have a good time doing it, your work put in will improve miraculously if your heart is in it. When I step on that field I think how fortunate I am everyday for the ability to play something I love. When you play with passion and appreciation, it reflects off other people and they strive to begin acting just like you. Having a victory mindset and prosperous life is contagious, when you're engaging in something you love those just come naturally.
Today, I look at softball as a game I love and lifestyle that has taught me so much. I appreciate this game more than most and never take anything it has given me for granted.
