Grateful for the Opportunity to Share Powerful and Inspiring Stories

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I could write the obligatory story of what I’m thankful for.

If left to my own devices, that would be queso, Peyton Manning, peanut butter, teacher’s pet, red vines, blue crabs and turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving.

Not much of a read.

But in reality, what I’m thankful for is having a platform to share powerful and poignant stories about the people who play the game of softball.

There is a level of trust that goes into telling a story. The person who shares the story trusts that the writer will represent them in the best possible light, while the writer has an obligation to deliver on that trust while also producing an informative article for the readers.

That responsibility, and the pressure that goes along with that, is something I take very seriously.

In my short time at Extra Inning Softball I’ve been lucky enough to be able to tell stories of heartbreak, of courage, of empowerment and of love.

Incredibly thankful to have been able to share the following stories.

*****

Jen Schroeder Partners with Easton to Launch Pediatric Cancer Research Catcher’s Gear

This story, while heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, is one of my favorites. Sharing that Jen Schroeder had teamed with Easton to create a line of pediatric cancer research catcher’s gear was an honor, but telling the backstory of why Schroeder was moved to partner with Easton is what made this story special.

Learning about Bailey Stenson, her sister Emily and little Charlie was powerful, while talking with Lexi Lopez about her sister Karina was inspiring and hearing about the Irwin family and the loss of their son Will was devastating.

Because of this story, the phrase “tough girls do tough things” and “where there’s a Will, there’s a way” will stay with me.

Memorial Run Helps Virginia Softball Move Forward

Another one of my favorite stories was the amazing demonstration of love by the Virginia softball program.

Sophomore Jade Hylton organized a memorial run with her team to commemorate the tragedy that took the lives of UVA football players D’Sean Perry, Devin Chandler and Lavel Davis Jr.

There was a significant amount of trust shown by head coach Joanna Hardin and the UVA softball program for allowing me to tell this story of moving forward.

I was honored to be able to share this story with our readers.

The Red Sox, Popcorn and BU Softball: The Story of Kasey Ricard

The Kasey Ricard story is one of my favorites just because she is such a special person. An amazing pitcher on the field and an even better person off the field.

If she wants to be the President of the United States one day she will accomplish that goal. She is just that type of person.

Really enjoyed talking with BU head coach Ashley Waters and thankful she shared the popcorn element into the story.

A fun story to write about a player, and a program, that deserves the spotlight.

Indiana Softball Uses Lil’ Sis Program to Empower Young Girls

Without question one of my favorite stories because of the people in the Indiana softball program.

Yes, the story of the Lil’ Sis program is empowering and uplifting – creating role models for young girls is much needed and powerful.

But spend time with Shonda Stanton, Gabbi Jenkins and Heather Johnson and you understand why the program is so incredibly successful. Each are fully invested in the program and understand the platform they have that can be such a powerful, and positive, example for young girls.

Quick aside, keep your eye on the Hoosiers on the field this season.

UNC Wilmington Proves NIL Not Just for Power 5’s

Another favorite story because of the people at UNCW, but also the message it delivers in terms of female empowerment and chasing a dream.

UNCW graduate student Mary Sobataka took a little nudge from the coaching staff and has blazed a trail of NIL success for herself and her teammates.

Special thanks to Mary, head coach Ashley Wade, assistant coach Abbey Latham and UNCW athletic director Michael Oblinger for sharing this story with me.

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