Florida State-committed 3B/C Jaysoni Beachum, #12 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, is one of the top power hitters in the country and is also on Extra Inning Softball’s team of bloggers.
Here are some of her contributions to our Inside Pitch series (click on the links to access the articles):
- Inside Pitch: 2023 Extra Elite 100 Power Slugger Jaysoni Beachum, a Florida State Commit, on “Finding the Right Fit”
- 2023 Extra Elite 100 Infielder Jaysoni Beachum… “Why I Committed to Florida State”
- Inside Pitch: The Beautiful Story Behind Jaysoni Beachum’s Name Change
Beachum, who previously played for Houston Academy High of Dothan, Alabama, showed her strength last year when she belted 80 home runs during the Kasey Cooper Home Run Derby at the Dothan Diamond Classic before event organizers said “No mas.” (Click HERE to read that story)
She’s a big reason Tennessee Mojo 2023-Danley will be contending for titles at all major national events this summer.
The talented junior wrote us a month ago to share with us a big move she and her family made:
“I have recently moved with my parents to Tallahassee, Florida,” she explained. “The move has allowed me to be around FSU university more often, and connect with the culture of the FSU softball program a little more by watching practices, attending games and getting a few more hugs from some of the teammates and staff.”
“I am currently playing varsity softball at my new high school . The name of the school is Florida State University Schools. It is a high school in collaboration with Florida State and my new high school coaches and teammates are amazing. They have made me feel apart as though I’ve been there the whole time”
Here’s more from this power-hitter you’ll be hearing a lot about over the next few years as she took some time out to talk about coaching and recruiting for her latest “Inside Pitch.”
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Parents & Athletes Getting Along
As an athlete, we often hear the importance of getting along with our parents/guardians.
However, how to get along with parents is not always taught or shown. My parents (Demeetris and Kitta Beachum) and I are not perfect, but we get along. I love them and enjoy being around them. I would give our relationship a “10.”
Again, it’s not because we get everything right, but we try to get things right if things go wrong.
As athletes, we don’t get a wild card to be rude, snobbish or disrespectful because of our status as an athlete. NOBODY likes being around people with awful attitudes regardless of who they are. I understand parents have an important role in having a healthy relationship, but I would like to focus on the athlete’s role in the relationship.
I want to encourage you to get along, or continue getting along, with your parents.
Everyone has their own definition of what “getting along” means and everyone’s relationship with their parents will be different, but the foundation of parent & athlete relationship starts with respect for each other. School, practice, and everyday life can have its own stresses. No one likes coming home to tension after a workout, practice, or a game all because of bad energy and tension due to not getting along with parents.
Below I have listed some ways my parents and I aim to get along and respect each other. These same steps have helped me get along not only with my parents, but my, friends, coaches, teachers, teammates and all of my relationships.
1. Aim to be patient with one another. For example; If something offensive happens, wait a couple hours to address it. It is surprising how an offense is not so offensive after you have cooled down.
2. Most people get in a bad mood when they’re hungry. Try eating something before having deep discussions, making decisions, or talking to people.
3. Spend time with your parents/guardians; even if it’s just a few minutes of conversation over the phone. Each week, find time to talk and just connect.
4. Say please and thank you! Don’t take the small things for granted. Yes, parents will do whatever they can for us, but, honestly, they don’t have to. To have a support system that helps with our everyday busy schedule, is an absolute blessing. Showing appreciation by simply saying, “Thank you for all you do for me” will let your parent(s) know you are grateful for them.
5. Help out where you can. As an athlete, having time for extra curricular activities outside of our sport can be tough. Just as our schedules are full and tiresome, so are our parents.’ Little things–like helping to load the car for tournaments, volunteering to set the table at dinner, cleaning up after yourself–really helps!
6. Try to be kind and be quick to apologize when you’re wrong. It just keeps the mood good.
7. Communicate if there is a change in your routine or plans. For instance, if you’re going to be late, say something. Don’t lie about where you’re going. Yes, there are all kinds of apps out there for parents to keep track of us, but trust keeps the bond and relationship strong.
8. Give hugs! I’m a hugger and my parents and I hug often! If hugging is not your thing, then find a way to give good energy daily. It could be a smile, handshake, or even a “booty bump!”
I believe teenagers can get along with their parents and both parties have to try.
Sometimes we may have to try even harder when life is stressful, busy, and tiresome, but we have to remember that the supportive people in our corner, like our parents, deserve the very best part of us.
I challenge you to tell your parents: “Thank you for everything you have done for me.”
It’s a great start to having and maintaining a good relationship with your parents!
—Jaysoni Beachum
