What Softball Has Given Me

I started playing 10u softball when I was 7 years old. Like most kids in that situation, I was very scared. Before my first practice my dad reminded me, "It doesn't matter how old they are V, you can hit better than most of them." Suddenly age didn't matter to me anymore, only skills did. Softball has given me three major things: 1) Confidence, 2) Desire, and 3) Opportunity.

As a younger kid starting from when I was about five until my eight grade year I was very shy and insecure. I  went through the awkward chubby phase for longer than most, which doesn't do a whole lot for ones self esteem. But, each year as I continued to excel more and more, I slowly came out of my shell. My skills and being able to make such a huge impact on a game with how I play has changed me so much. Before, I would  not be confident enough to go up and talk to someone that I didn't know or interact a lot in a group setting. Now I am the exact opposite. I am very outgoing and sure of myself when interacting with others. My brother likes to relate my confidence to "swag." Well my swag isn't loud and cocky like some accomplished players. I prefer to let my actions speak for me and carry myself in a way that exhibits quiet confidence.  What gave me the most confidence is that because of my abilities and my personalities I have become a leader. Having people look to me in situations for advice and being able to lead my team to victory has only increased how much I believe in myself.

Another thing softball gave me was desire, desire to be as good as I could be. That means putting in lots of hard work and getting myself into better shape. I started to work out daily and eat healthier. Growing a couple inches has helped but I have really slimmed down since seventh grade. Along with getting in shape I wanted to be the best player I could be. So in the mornings I would, and still do, go to the batting cages at school. There my dad and I would spend countless hours hitting off the tee, front toss, and off the machine. As I put in more and more work I have continued to get better and excel in the things that I want to do.

Finally the last thing softball has given me is opportunity. It gives me the opportunity to meet new people, show how good of an athlete I am, what I am able to accomplish, and a chance to play the sport that I love. Through the years of playing on so many different teams I have had the chance to meet so many people. At the state tournament this year it hit me just how many people I recognized that I had played with or against over the years. It also seems that no matter where I go, whether it is a tourney, a camp, or just to the practice fields, I always run into someone that I know. Making all of these new relationships are great because of the variety of people and the personalities you meet are all over the board and help you become a well rounded individual in conversation. Every time I play I have the chance to demonstrate how well I can truly play the game of softball. In the future I hope that all of my hard work pays off and softball gives me the opportunity to achieve my dreams.