Sorry, it might not smell the best. I played four seasons of high school ball with that very jersey. I wore that number every game. I hope when you pick up that jersey you realize what it meant to a senior that wasn't ready to give it up. I hope you will understand what that jersey did for me. You probably will never know who I am. You may here some of the upperclassmen talk about me, but to them my time playing with them is now a memory. The coaches might mention me here and there, but you'll never know me as a teammate. Since I never got to officially meet you, here are some tips for you to use these next four years.
1. Remember why you continued to play the sport
Playing this sport wasn't just something to do. You fell in love with it a long time ago. If you didn't love the game, trust me you wouldn't be playing high school ball. Never give up that drive that got you here. Freshman year tryouts are the most nerve wrecking because the coaches have never seen you. But now, you've made it and you're sitting around waiting to pick put a jersey. You finally feel the pressure is off, but this is only the beginning.
2. Make new friends
These girls you've just met are going to be your teammates for the next three months. Try to get to know them. Trust me you'll have such a better experience if you make friends rather than playing with no one to talk too. You are not the only player on the field. Making these connections will not only help you, but it helps win games. A team that can communicate will always win over the team that is silent.
3. Practice HARD
If you want any kind of playing time, practicing to your full ability will show the coaches you want this. Go as hard as you can. Dive if you need to. Slide if you need to. And, if the coach says get on the line, you better sprint as fast as you can. Effort will take you a long way. In the end hard work will beat talent. Don't be lazy either. You are a freshman. Don't make a bad impression.
4. Be eager to learn
The coaches will always have something to fix about you. Learn it now. They just want what's best. But, they are not the only ones who will have something to say. The upperclassmen will have a lot to say. Try to take it in. They've been playing on this team longer and have more experience. Respect what they have to say. It could really help in the long run. Always listen to what others have to say.
5. HAVE FUN
Remember to always have fun. These next four years will fly by. Soon playing on this team will be a memory and you will have to move on with your life. Make lasting friendships and leave your mark. Make sure when you look back years from now you can say I had so much fun playing for that team and with those players. Softball doesn't last forever. Always continue playing for the love of the sport, but most importantly have fun while doing it
Good luck these next four years. Make it count.
Sincerely,
#7
