As I find myself diving head first into senior year, everything is become a "last" - my last first day of school, last semester, last Christmas break. But the one that I've been dreading the most, my last season of softball. From day one softball has given me more than just understanding teamwork and leadership. If I could go back in time I'd only go to thank myself for being apart of something this great.
Dear 7 year old Marissa,
Thanks for agreeing with dad that you should be playing softball. Little did you know that this was the beginning of something that would change your life forever. Thank you for teaching me that dirt is fun to play in and that catching butterflies in the outfield isn't as easy as you'd think. Thanks for teaching me to be strong because like dad says, "There's no crying in baseball."
Dear 13 year old Marissa,
This is a big year, you're not playing with the same girls you have been for years. It's not easy to join a team you don't know anyone on, but thank you for doing it. Thanks for teaching me to leave my comfort zone, not to be shy and to make new friends. For teaching me to own who I am and have confidence.
Dear 17 year old Marissa,
Thank you for humbling me and realizing that you only get out what you put in. To work harder than the next person. Thank you for learning that criticism is a good thing and if you listen, you'll get better. For teaching me that dwelling on the past will only hurt you in the future. To forget about that strikeout or missed ball, move on - attitude is everything.
Dear Freshman year Marissa,
Congrats, you finally made it! Thank you continuing to play in college. For teaching me that time management is key and communication is essential. That failure is inevitable and constant in this sport and there are some things you just can't control. For teaching me that winning is more fun when it doesn't come easy. Thank you for making the friends you did because they'll be around for a lifetime.
Dear Present Marissa,
Thank you for allowing yourself to learn and grow in every aspect from this sport. For seeing that this is more than just a game you played for fun. It's something that will always be apart of you and the lessons you've learned you can take anywhere.
There is still more to be learned as I play in one final season. But the eternal gratefulness I have is something I can only try to explain. As I finish my career surrounded by teammates who are now best friends, coaches who support me and my family who I couldn't have done any of this without, I will take in every last moment I have. I am not ready for this to be over and although it's always been said, "there's not crying in baseball" tears will be shed in the last game I play, but I am so grateful that I got to be apart of something so extraordinary.
And finally, to all the coaches I've ever had, to the teammates I've ever played with and to my family - thank you for everything. Without any of you I wouldn't be where I am today.
