I started playing softball when I was just eight-years-old. I skipped tee-ball and went straight to coach pitch. It was then that I fell in love with the game. When it came time to decide whether or not I wanted to tryout for a summer travel team, there was no hesitation in my voice before I said "yes". I loved every moment of summer softball. The team became more like a family than a team because we spent more time together than we did apart. Together we survived blistering heat and exhausting double headers. Winning a tournament was the best feeling after a long weekend filled with sweat and tears. These experiences only deepened my love for the sport that I dedicated all of my time to. When I wasn't on the field I would scroll through shows on TV to find a softball game to watch. I dreamt of playing college softball for Oklahoma University when I graduated high school. I aspired to be the best pitcher I could be and that meant private pitching lessons and extra hours outside in the yard pitching to my amazing and dedicated dad.

Then came time to play softball in high school. I had hopes that these four years would be similar to what I had experienced in travel softball, but boy was I wrong. It is different in the way that there is only one or two games to be played per week and that means that the opportunity to get playing time is very limited. Every girl is competing for a spot on the varsity roster. This leads to a lot of unnerving competition and cold glares from other players. In addition to this pressure my coach played favorites and I definitely wasn't one of them. The smallest mistake I made was followed by punishment and scolding. One strikeout would lead to sitting the bench for the rest of the game and I was lucky if I was given a second chance in the games following. I can still remember how disheartened and useless I felt after nearly every high school game. I began to dread practice and game day. For someone whose thoughts used to be consumed by softball, these feelings associated with the game were tough to handle. I still worked hard at every practice, but any improvement I made was overlooked. My once dream of playing college softball was fading away. I met with a few college coaches about playing for them, but in my heart I knew that my love for the game just wasn't there anymore. So I decided at the end of senior year that I would hang up my jersey and cleats for good.

It's difficult to look back and remember that a coach affected me in such a negative way, but I think it is important to note that I learned a lot from my experience in high school that will stick with me for a lifetime. I learned that not everyone you cross paths with will want you to succeed. Some people would rather tear you down than build you up. These types of people are unavoidable, but you just have to pick yourself up and keep your head held high. With this type of attitude there's nothing that can't be accomplished. And to the sport I grew up playing, you'll always hold a special place in my heart.