Dear Dad,

We started this journey together, completely unaware of what exactly we were getting ourselves into.

But after 11 years, five teams, four gloves, six bats, fractured bones, intense sunburns, a ridiculous amount of hotel parking lot cook outs and millions of hours spent traveling to and from tournaments I can honestly say that it has been the most fulfilling journey of my life.

It's hard to believe that the nine-year-old trying out for her first competitive team with nothing but a little bat and glove from Walmart is now entering her junior year playing at the collegiate level, but what really should be said to you is THANK YOU for it all and also for...

1. Giving up your entire summers.

Literally every single weekend.

2. Waking me up early to get extra BP in.

Even when I complained the entire time.

3. Pushing me both mentally and physically to be the best athlete I could be.

4. Signing me up and spending money for speed training, hitting lessons and softball camps.

Even though I'm as slow as a sloth & was told that if I hit it over the fence I wouldn't have to run fast.

5. Giving me the opportunity to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

6. Keeping me in check. Puberty was not a pretty time for me or my attitude.

7. Being the hardest on me.

Looking back I was always so confused as to why you always seemed not satisfied with me, but now I see that you expected the best out of me and making me work for your praise has benefited me in numerous ways

8. Knowing when to be my coach and when to be my dad.

9. Putting up with 11 crazy, obnoxious girls.

10. Helping me write about a hundred emails to college coaches.

11. Constantly reminding me to hit most days, even though I should everyday, while I'm at school.

12. Knowing how to transition from my coach to another dad in stands.

13. Watching every single game, online or in the stands.

14. Teaching me to respect and appreciate the sport for all it has done for me on and off the diamond.

15. Knowing the right about of distaste to send my way when I go 0 for 4.

Being my biggest fan and toughest critique.

16. For falling in love with the sport just as much, if not more than I did.

Every memory of those summers reminds me of just how lucky I am to have a dad like you. Sorry for all the late nights, early mornings, headaches, and grey hairs. A minuscule "Thank you" for putting your life on hold to make my dreams come true will never be enough, but a big thank you to the sport of softball is due for taking my dad and turning him into a great coach, mentor, and one of my best friends.

Love,

Your baby girl