Dear Softball,

You are something that has always been a part of me. Both my mom and dad played you or baseball growing up. You can say that your game ran in the family.

I, like many other 5-year-olds, was signed up for Little League tee-ball. Then, I started playing you specifically at the age of eight. I began to realize that I was pretty good at you, but what I didn't realize was how you were going to change me as a person. I continued playing you all through Little League, joined a travel ball team, and played your game all four years in high school. I want to thank you, Softball, for all that you've given me.

Thank you for giving me something my parents and I had in common.

Whether it be my dad coaching or my mom keeping the score book, they were always there for every game. They are one of the many reasons why I fell in love with this sport. They paid for all of my equipment and tournaments. Without those opportunities, I don't know where I'd be now. My dad and I sometimes didn't see eye-to-eye (it's not easy being the coach's daughter), but he made me a better player. He pushed my limits in order to get to where I was at the end of my senior year. The bond we created through you is something that we'll have for a lifetime. My mom was always there to hear me complain about practice or give me tips on catching. She was always my biggest fan, and for that, I could never repay her for. Just like my dad, you are something that my mom and I will always be passionate about together.

Thank you for my teammate's parents.

They all were my extra sets of parents. I knew I could always go to them if I ever needed anything. They were always there to cheer the team on and were supportive of each and every one of us on the team. And I knew I could always count on them if I ever needed a snack before the game, and my mom wasn't there yet. Also, they gave me my best friends. Because of them all, I was able to meet such wonderful people that have always been such amazing friends to me. Without you, Softball, I never would have met an awesome group of people that would treat me as their own, and still do.

Thank you for my team.

All of my teammates have played such a major part of my life. They all challenged me to be a better, whether it be at softball or just life. I knew they all had my back no matter what. They were always there to pick me up if I had an off day on or off the field. Knowing that I had a group of people who would always lift me up on my bad days is what really makes me grateful for them all. I am so glad that to this day we are all such good friends. I am so proud of them for all they've done thus far in their lives. I want to thank them all for all that they've given me. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. You are the one that gave me the best people in my life.

Lastly, thank you for teaching me some of life's biggest lessons.

Through you, I learned to be a leader. Being a catcher meant that I had to speak up because I was the only one that could see the whole field. You helped me learn to be a support to my teammates that carried on to experiences off the field. You also taught me that I needed to work hard to get to where I wanted to be. I knew in softball I had to do everything I could if I wanted to succeed, so I did. This was passed on to how I view school and exercise. Without doing my best and pushing myself, I wouldn't achieve what I wanted to. You have taught me so much more that I really don't know how to give back to you.

It's been two years since I've played you. This is the time of year where I really miss you. I see other young softball players, and I just get sad that I no longer have you anymore. But what I do have is memories, relationships, and lessons from you that will stick with me forever.

With love,

Paige