Be Where Your Feet Are

Be Where Your Feet Are

Life moves quickly, especially when you’re an athlete balancing practices, games, and academics. Be where your feet are is a mantra that has stuck with me since my junior year of college, thanks to my coach, Molly Fichtner, at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). It changed my perspective, reminding me to embrace every moment fully. This lesson became even more impactful when, on March 12, 2020, my senior softball season abruptly ended due to COVID-19. That experience taught me the value of being present, cherishing every opportunity, and finding joy in the little things.

The Day Everything Changed

On March 11, 2020, I played what I thought was just another game. I went 0-2 with a strikeout, not knowing it might be my last time on the field. The next day, the world stopped, and with it, my senior season. Like many athletes, I faced uncertainty about whether I’d ever play again.

Thankfully, God had other plans. I received the opportunity to finish my career on my terms. From that point on, I made a promise to myself: I would be where my feet are. I embraced every aspect of the game, from weights and practice to bus rides and team meetings. Every moment became a memory I cherished.

A New Perspective on the Game

The sudden halt to my senior season gave me a new perspective. Every aspect of the game I once took for granted became an opportunity to soak in the experience:

• Weights and conditioning weren’t just workouts; they were moments to grow stronger alongside my teammates.
• Practice became a place of joy, where I could work hard and laugh with my friends.
• Bus rides turned into opportunities for connection and camaraderie.
• Game days were moments of gratitude, where I cherished the sight of my parents in the stands cheering me on.

Even the mundane became meaningful. I embraced treatment sessions, team meetings, and the grind of balancing classwork because I knew how quickly it could all be taken away.

The Gift of a Super Senior Year

When the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility, I seized the chance to play my final season. That year was about more than just softball—it was about relationships, resilience, and gratitude.

I met friends I only would’ve coached, and we shared unforgettable moments on and off the field. Every time I put on my uniform, I felt a sense of pride and joy. I realized that while the game eventually ends, the memories and lessons last forever.

Why “Be Where Your Feet Are” Matters

As you prepare for the upcoming preseason, I encourage you to adopt this mindset. Being present allows you to focus on what truly matters: the experiences, relationships, and growth that come with being part of a team.

Cherish every practice, every game, and every interaction with your teammates and coaches. Time moves fast, and before you know it, you’ll be looking back, wishing for just five more minutes on the field.

Lessons That Extend Beyond Softball

The mantra be where your feet are applies to more than just sports. It’s a mindset that helps you manage stress, build relationships, and find joy in the moment. Whether you’re in class, at work, or with friends and family, being present allows you to make the most of your time and opportunities.

Embracing this philosophy not only improves your performance on the field but also enhances your life off it.

Conclusion: A Call to Embrace the Moment

Looking back on my 20 years in softball, I realize how quickly time flew by. My journey taught me the importance of being present, finding joy in the process, and cherishing every moment. As a retired athlete, I encourage you to be where your feet are.

Whether you’re lacing up your cleats, taking the field, or sitting in a team meeting, embrace the moment. Soak in every experience and make it count. Trust me—those moments will become memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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For more on this topic, listen to our Podcast: Mastering the Offseason – Balancing Rest, Recovery and Growth!

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