Katie Lively: What She Learned This Year About Surrender and Purpose
At Extra Inning Softball, our staff has had an incredible year of growth, learning, and reflection. As we look back on 2024, we wanted to take a moment to share some of the valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way. Katie Lively, our Communications and Research Director, highlighted a key lesson about surrendering to God’s plan and finding purpose through faith and gratitude. She reflected on how letting go of control has brought her peace and a deeper understanding of her journey, both personally and professionally. As we move forward, these insights will continue to guide us in our work and life.
*****
As a recent college graduate, the year after graduation is arguably one of the most formative years of your life.
After graduating in July 2023, I had no idea what my next step would be. Softball and school had been the biggest parts of my life up until that point, which is why graduating felt so scary. I’m sure everyone can relate to the feeling of being a little lost and unsure about what the future holds.
After graduation, I moved to a brand-new city with my best friend. I had a few potential career paths to explore, but nothing was certain. After what felt like a million job interviews, I was still left with uncertainty. I decided to take on a lot of smaller roles to help me figure out what I was truly passionate about. At one point, I had about five different jobs, all to discover the direction I wanted to go.
In January of this year, I finally started my first full-time job after months of applications and waiting. I worked for a nonprofit called Distinguished Young Women, an organization focused on building up and empowering high school girls. It was an incredible experience, and the people I met through that organization were amazing. However, I still didn’t feel like it was where I was meant to be. Softball was still tugging at my heart.
Fast forward a few months, and the Lord brought me the biggest blessing of this year—a position at Extra Inning Softball. It came out of nowhere (as blessings often do) and was truly everything I had been praying for.
Looking back on this year, the most significant thing I’ve learned is true surrender to God. Not just surrender when you’re exhausted, or when you’ve reached the end of your options, but an intentional and sacrificial surrender. It’s a surrender that acknowledges everything I have is a gift from God: my family, my friends, my health, my job, and every other piece of my life. I didn’t earn these gifts, and I certainly don’t deserve them. Yet God, in His grace, freely gave them to me.
I think sometimes surrender is interpreted as sitting back and letting things happen. While there are absolutely times to step back and trust, I want to emphasize that we still must put the work in. We still must strive to be the best Christians we can be. While we don’t earn the gifts given to us by God, we must follow Him closely and intentionally. It’s like softball in that way—we must be willing to do the work and put in the effort to be the best we can be. We are called to strive to be the best versions of ourselves.
What I’ve also realized is this: since everything I have is a gift from Him, He can take it away at any moment. Not because I did something wrong, or because I didn’t appreciate it enough, but simply because it’s time for Him to take it.
I know that can sound scary, but for me, it has brought an overwhelming sense of freedom and peace. Knowing that everything I have is a gift—and that no matter what I do, God’s plan will prevail—has changed my perspective on life.
This surrender has touched every part of my life. It’s changed how I view each day and how I cherish my relationships. It’s taught me how to release control and find joy in every moment. It’s also made me reflect on my priorities and the “why” behind everything I do.
Recently, I heard a song that perfectly captures this idea of surrender. The lyrics go:
“My eyes have never seen it, but I know that it exists.
Something in my soul says, there’s a better place than this.
I’m a stranger in my own skin, ‘cause there’s Eden in my bones.
If home is where the heart is, then this world is not my home.”
As I reflect on 2024, those words sum up what I’ve learned.
I know not everyone shares the same beliefs in faith and religion, and I deeply respect everyone’s personal perspectives. Faith is a profoundly personal journey—one that can’t be forced or pushed on anyone. I simply pray that, if you’re curious, you’ll find your way to Him in your own time and in your own way.
*****
| New Content | Content Descriptions | Trending & New Features | Trending & Feature Descriptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Inning Softball Influencers | Hear from top-ranked athletes from the Extra Elite 100 as they share their journey as an author of their own story. | TRENDING NEWS: The Evolution of Rankings | Bonnie Holland, CEO of Extra Inning Softball shares the inside scoop on the controversial topic of rankings & shares improvements to content. |
| Commit Crew | Meet our EIS Commit Crew as they share tips, drills, and advie on player development. | Coaches Endorse New Rankings Software | Learn more about Extra Inning Softball's new cutting-edge sofware which has been met with excitement and anticipation across the country. |
| Sports Performance | Cutting-edge content on speed training, mobility, and strength training from expert, Jacob Billingsley. | TRENDING NEWS: Introducing the Commit Crew | Hear directly from committed players heading to powerhouse programs. They share drills, advice and tips on player development. |
| Hitting/Offense Tips | Led by experts such as Paul Petricca, who dives deep into strategies and drills to elevate offensive skills. | Content Calendar | What's coming next? Check out our content calendar! |
| Mental Edge & Agility | Success starts with mindset. Weekly insights from experts like former D1 coach, Julie Jones. | STORE | Your one-stop shop for stylish apparel, including unique styles created especially for Extra Elite 100 players. |
| Overcoming Adversity | Tips on recovery and resilience, reaturing inspiring stories from players who have faced hard times. | Committed Players/Master Verbal Database | Committed players share their journey and will be highlighted by Extra Inning Softball and added to our Master Verbal Database. |
| PODCAST | Hosted by pro player Jessie Warren and former D1 athlete Katie Lively, as they tackle hot topics. | Dugout Discussion Polls | Weigh in on hot topics in the softball world. Results will be discussed in our exclusive interviews and podcast. |
COPYRIGHT © 2024 Extra Inning Softball TM
Do you have a story idea? If so, let us know HERE
EIS Stands for MORE than Just Extra Inning Softball
