“I would never want to play softball,” said a typical Mountain Lakes girl. Growing up in a small town essentially means being different is weird. Everyone does the same thing to ‘go with the flow.’ Softball isn’t considered ‘normal’ for a small town. What’s normal is soccer, field hockey, basketball, lacrosse and track. Softball isn’t even in the picture. But why isn’t it in the picture? Almost everyone I have asked answered with, “because it’s softball.” What does “because it’s softball” even mean?
I know a ton of people who played softball in middle school or even in a different town, but when they started Mountain Lakes their freshmen year, they quit. They quit because it’s not socially acceptable for Mountain Lakes. My main sport is soccer, but I love softball. I play soccer all year round, but I make time for softball. I don’t care that it’s not socially acceptable. There are so many reasons why I chose to stay with softball instead of quitting all high school sports to focus on soccer; so, after reading this article I hope you guys consider playing softball.
Coach Preston is by far one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. She knows the game so well, and her passion to teach us her knowledge is admirable. I came into high school softball not knowing anything about the game. I called center field “center base,” I would overrun second base, and I hyperextended my thumb playing catcher. I, clearly, was not a softball player, but with the help of Coach Preston, by the end of the season I received Most Improved Player, and Honorable Mention All-Conference. So, if you don’t believe me when I say that Coach Preston is a bona fide softball coach, think again.
Without softball, I would not have made all the friends I have now. I loved my softball family, and I wouldn’t have ever thought to be friends with them if it wasn’t for softball. I made so many new best friends, and I truly can’t wait for the season to start so I can start hanging out with them every day again. Everyone gets along. Picture a whole season without drama – I bet it’s hard for you since mostly every sport has drama – but softball has no drama because we get along. Although softball may not be socially acceptable, it’s relaxing and fun. I know going in to the season that I don’t have to worry about arguments or taking sides with someone in a fight. I look forward to the endless jokes and team dinners at places like Zin Burger or my house.
Although softball is a slow game, it takes a lot of concentration. You wouldn’t believe it, but softball is harder than soccer for me. Softball requires you to be able to think ahead, it requires you to have precise skills. It took a longer time for me to be able to hit the softball than for me to block a penalty kick.
So please, take a moment to consider playing the sport. Softball may not be socially acceptable, but it’s fun. I couldn’t picture my high school career without softball.
