Dear my High School Softball Team,
There is not a day that goes by where I do not think of all of you at least once. You have all taught me so many things over the countless years, beginning from my freshman year all the way to my senior year.
Beginning my freshman year at such a big school and competing for a starting position in the infield for the varsity team made my head spin. This was the first time that playing the game I absolutely love put fear in my eyes and heart. This team and the coaches taught me the feeling of accomplishment and I know that every single one of you have felt this way one time or another.
To the captains of my 2013 season: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having confidence in me and my abilities to take over such a vital position on the team. You have all taught me so much and I truly will never forget you.
To the captains of my 2014 season: This season was so incredibly memorable. We all had so many incredible memories with each other and ones that I will never forget. This season, especially with you three, I have gained lifelong friends that I will never forget, and for that, I am eternally grateful for everything you all did for me.
To the captains of my 2015 season: We have had so many memories from when we were young kids, up until both of your final seasons. You both were always there for me through hard breakups and fights and I could always count on either of you to do anything for me.
To my co-captain my 2016 season: Lauren, thank you for pushing through the roughness of Hoyt and Cohen for our entire four years. We seriously have seen them both at their best and their worst. From the time we were little freshmen, making our way to the district finals two out of our four years. That is an incredible record for us and I wouldn’t have wanted to have anyone else by my side. We have had too many laughs to count and unfortunately, too many cries as well. I hope that the Gator is treating you well and you will always be my co-captain.
To my entire team my 2016 season: Many of you were underclassmen and I only had the opportunity to play with most of you guys for one or two years. As you guys probably remember the letters Lauren & I wrote to you, I’m going to tell you guys a couple things similar.
Nikki & Katie: You are both so full of spirit and I cannot wait to see what the world throws at you. You are both going to prosper so much in softball this year and in school. Hold down the fort for Lauren and I. You guys are going to kill it and I have my utmost confidence in both of you.
Poco, Bambi, Elly, Grandma & Jo: You guys came in with so much talent and I know you are all going to do phenomenal in everything you do. I know that sometimes life takes us different ways, but we will all always be a family. You have all been there for me at one time or another, as I have been for you. You guys are amazing people and players and I hope you all continue to stay in my life.
Kelsey, Avery & Savana: Unfortunately for me, I was only allowed to play with you guys for one season, although for two of you carried into travel. All of you are going to do such great things over your next three years on the team that I and the past alumni have worked so hard to build. You all have so many things to learn, yet you are already so smart in so many ways. I, personally, cannot wait to see what you guys do in the future.
To my coaches: You have both taught me so many things within such a big spectrum. If it wasn’t for Hoyt pushing me on the field, I would not be the same player I am today. I will never forget, my 8th-grade year, I always talked about how I wanted to start on the Varsity team and I thought it was a long shot. I was scared of the coaches because I had become so accustomed to my previous school team. I consider myself so incredibly lucky to have you both in my life. If it wasn’t for Cohen, I probably would’ve sat bored in too many of my classes and I wouldn’t have gotten to know so many important people throughout the school.
Thank you both for absolutely anything and everything you have done for me over the past four years.
Thank you, everyone,, who I have crossed paths with on this field at one time or another on this team for everything you have all taught me, whether softball related or not, you have all made me a better person and helped shape me become the young woman I am today.
Forever & Always, Your Favorite #3
