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We could try to eloquently state the importance of moms (or other motherly figures in our lives, as we know not everyone has the ideal mother-child relationship), but we figured the best way would be to let YOU do it.
And you hit a home run.
Thanks to all those players and coaches who shared their expressions of love about their mom and a big thanks to Carlos on our side who pulled it all together.
Happy Mother’s Day to all….
*****
“My mom is my absolute best friend and she is always there through thick and thin. I really don’t know where I would be without her and with her being a frontline worker right now with COVID-19, she has inspired me so much and I’m grateful to have someone so strong and selfless be my mother.”
— Aleyah Terrell, Lady Dukes 16U-Lamer 2022 OF/UT
*****
“My mom lives with Stage-4 metastatic breast cancer every day and never fails to make it to all of my softball events! No matter how ill she may feel, she always puts me and my feelings first. After a bad game or difficult practice, she is always there to hold me accountable for my mistakes, while also putting a smile on my face. We know how stressful sports can be at times and she handles it like a champ! She is amazing and deserves the world. I love you mom!”
— Makenzie Guiliano, Athletics-Mercado/Ornelas 16U 2021 2B/OF/UT
*****
“Mom, thank you so much for all the hard work you do and sacrifices you make to help me reach my goals. You are one of the strongest people I have ever met and one of my biggest inspirations. I am glad so I get to call you my mom. I love you.”
— D’Auna Johnson, Oregon-committed 2022 SS/UT of Califonia Breeze-Fernald 16U
*****
“I would like to say that I am beyond grateful for my mom. She is the most selfless person I know. She is constantly putting others before herself and always puts a smile on others faces. I can’t thank my mom enough for driving me all around the world to play the sport I love. She always supports me in no matter what I do and encourages me to chase my dreams. Happy Mother’s Day Mom!!!”
— Halle Cannon, EC Bullets Gold 18U-Schnute 2022 C/1B
*****
“My mother is so many things to me and plays so many roles in my life. She a provider, a best friend, a critic, a comedian, a shoulder to cry on and so much more. I cannot put into words how great my mom is to me. She has sacrificed so much for me, so that I can become the young woman I am today. I have watched my mother tackle nursing school and other unfortunate circumstances, and yet she still continues to be the backbone in my life. On and off the softball field, she has been my biggest supporter. I am so grateful and blessed to have received the mother I have today. I love the positivity and strength she shows me every single day! I cherish the memories of her screaming my name and number on the softball field to our signature handshake. She deserves the world, and that is what drives me every day to grow as a person and softball player. Happy Mother’s Day Ma!”
— Aanayah Hughes, Tennessee Mojo 18U-Lewis
*****
“My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader! One of the things I am known for is wearing bows/ribbons when I played and to this day I always wear one when I coach. She was the one who got me started wearing them when I first started playing tee ball and since then that became my signature. I remember all of my Notre Dame softball games, my dad would stand behind the backstop and my mom would sit all the way up in the top corner of the bleachers on the third-base side. I would always wave, dance and blow kisses to her when we would step on the field for our pre-game warm-up and the music started playing. She would do the same thing back to me. Her smile would light up the stadium. I am forever grateful to have such an amazing mom that supported me to be the best person I could be on and off the field. She is still my biggest cheerleader because she comes with me to all of my Intensity games (even though my dad asks her to go to some of his) to support me as I coach and she cheers on all the girls on my team. She was the one who taught me to sparkle and shine every day … xoxo. Love you mom (Sugs)! (She was known for always having sweets at the house for my sister and I and our friends, so we called her Mama Sugs like sugar).”
— Brittany O’Donnell, Jersey Intensity 16U-BOD coach
*****
“My mom is described to me as a superhero or a role model. Throughout the past 16 years I have always counted on her throughout any situation. On and off the field, she’s always had my back. She’s one of the only people I can talk to about anything. The amount of encouragement and support is unbelievable! Because of her I know what love and happiness is! The many life lessons she has taught me has made me the person I am today. No words can describe the amount of strength she’s put in our family. I am very lucky I can have a close bond with my mom and cherish the lucky moments throughout life.”
— Kailee Bautista, Texas Blaze NTX 16U Premier C/1B/3B
*****
“My journey is focused a lot about my dad and I don’t think I give my mom enough credit publicly … she has been my support system throughout my career. There is a moment that stands out to me after Colorado of my junior year on a flight back to California (I left with some good offers on the table) and my mom crying in my arms because she knows how hard the process was and to finally start seeing the rewards of the sacrifice was overwhelming to her. At the moment I didn’t fully grasp that emotion, now having children of my own I can see how that pure emotion comes from a mother who truly has unconditional love for their child and only wants to see them succeed in their life. DONNA DENESE TYSON THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS MAKING ME FEEL LOVED!!!”
— Dena Tyson-Slye, Corona Angels coach
*****
“As a mom of a beautiful 12-year-old daughter, I am blessed every day to watch and guide her as life throws many challenges and blessings her way. I have been fortunate that she loves the sport of softball as much if not more than I did while playing. It’s a gift to be able to coach all of my players and be a support system and mentor in this journey called life. As I sit here and reflect on all my players, they are all my kids and I love them. Happy Mother’s Day!”
— Brandi Macias, AASA 18U and 12U coach
*****
“Happy Mother’s to everyone and especially the moms behind the scenes that help make these girls dreams come true every weekend! Our team moms are great at making sure everyone is taken care of and we greatly appreciate it!”
— Kristin Nelson, Hotshots Premier TN 07 coach
*****
“My mom is the most hard-working, loving and caring person in the world. No matter what she is going through she always puts my sisters and I before her own problems. She never fails to make me smile and is always there for me in every situation. She is my rock, my best friend and the greatest mom out there. I’m so thankful for all that she does for me and continues to do for me. She will forever be my go-to person no matter what life throws at me!!”
— Ashtyn Danley, Florida State-committed 2023 P/OF of Tennessee Mojo-Danley
*****
“I would like to thank my mom for everything that she has sacrificed for me over the last 18 years. From traveling all over the United States to buying anything and everything softball related. With everything going on in our world, she still finds a way to make every day special. I truly wouldn’t be who I am today without her. She’s my rock and I’m thankful every day that she is my mom.”
— Bailey Dowling, Alabama-bound SS of Georgia Impact Premier 18U-Lewis
*****
“I love my momma soo much! Without my mom I’m not sure I would be playing softball. She has fought so many battles for me and she is always on my side. My mom is one of the few people I can tell anything too without being judged. My favorite memories together are when we have people over and play pool volleyball. When we have team games, it always gets so competitive and I love the adrenaline we both get when we compete.”
— Macy Graf, Texas Glory Naudin 16U 2022 SS
*****
“My most recent memory with my mom over the years was last year when we won it all in California. This has to be my favorite moment because of the way my mom and I worked together to get through the tough lineup of Arizona Storm. Our bond grew indefinitely during that game and now we are closer than ever. The amount of trust we had in each other during that game was unbelievable and unmatchable. So, Happy Mother’s Day mom! Thank you for everything you have done for me!”
— Keagan Rothrock, Florida-committed P of Tennessee Mojo 04-Fisher
*****
“Happy Mother’s Day, Mom (Deborah Smith)!! Mom has been the greatest Mother/Grandmother to my brother, sister, wife, children and myself. She always puts everyone else first before herself and we all love her very much!!!”
— Gary Smith, Impact Gold National 07-Smith coach
*****
“My mom is my biggest supporter! She has taught me to never give up my dreams and to always be great! I know it’s not easy being a single mom, but she is my HERO!”
— McKaela Walker, EC Bullets-Mayfield 2023 RHP/SS
*****
“I am so thankful for my mom because of all of the sacrifices she makes for me. Her faith in God inspires me every day. I hope that one day I can be even half the mother that she is. She does so much for my family and we are all so thankful for her. She absolutely hates flying, but told me she would overcome that fear so that she could watch me in college. It is sacrifices like those that remind me how great of a mom she is. I am thankful for her not just today, but everyday!”
— Regan Krause, Stanford-bound P/1B of Beverly Bandits-Conroy
*****
“Thank you for the countless sacrifices you have made for our family. You taught me life lessons that I will never forget. You are the rock of our family and I would not be the player and person I am today with out you. Everything you do for me never goes unnoticed. I love you!”
— Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma-bound IF of OC Batbusters-Stith
*****
“Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you being the backbone of our family and challenging every day me to be a strong woman.”
— MJ Knighten, former Nebraska star and University of San Diego assistant coach
*****
“My mom has always been my biggest supporter from the time I was little until now. I am so grateful to have such a strong, caring and beautiful person inside and out to be my role model. She’s the strongest person I know and the rock of our family. I aspire to be as brave as her, especially when she beat cancer. I look up to her and she has shaped me to become the person I am today.”
— Shannon Becker, Notre Dame-bound 2021 P of Empire State Huskies and EC Bullets Gold 18U-Schnute
*****
“My mom has always been such a huge part of my softball career and just in life in general. She used to play college ball at Buffalo State, so I always wanted to follow her path and play collegiate softball. She wore number 12, so I wear number 12 for her in high school. One of my most fond memories I share with my mom at the softball field is when I hit a home run on Mother’s Day a couple years ago in an Arizona PGF qualifier. I remember touching home plate and she was looking at me with the biggest smile on her face. I’m so thankful for all my mom has sacrificed to make sure I’m competing at the best level especially since I travel from Vegas to California for Corona Angels. Our car rides are always the best.”
— Paige Sinicki, Oregon-committed 2021 IF of Corona Angels 18U-Tyson
*****
“When trying to think of one memory I can share about my mother, hundreds of moments come to mind. There are simply too many memories to share, however they all reflect on her dedication to supporting and loving my siblings and I. One thing I appreciate beyond words is that she never let us say, ‘I can’t.’ This has made a big impact on who I am. She taught me to believe in myself and to not set a limit on my dreams. She gave me strength before I even knew it and taught me that with hard work anything is possible. I can’t thank her enough for that, and for everything she did for us in the name of love. Thank you, mom, for raising us to be strong, independent, caring, smart and passionate. I love you.”
— Allison Royalty, Arizona State-bound P of Athletics-Mercado/Smith 18U
*****
“My mom is so invested in the game. She takes every opportunity to make anyone better that needs it. So many times she will be at Duke working late to help her players get better. Then she will stay till 9 or 10 o’clock p.m. just helping us get better at anything we need. I am so thankful for my mom. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time for her kids and always makes sure she asks how our days went. I love her and I don’t know what I would do without her.”
— Layla Lamar, Florida-committed 2024 3B/1B of Lady Dukes 16U-Lamar (top left)
“My mom does more than I can even imagine. She does so much for our family and her team. She will always do everything in her power to help if you need it. There has never been a time where my mom will say no if you ask her for help. I am so grateful for her and I can’t imagine my life without her. Not only does she make me a better softball player, but also a better person.”
— Jolyna Lamar, Lady Dukes 14U-Young/Lamar 2025 MIF/CF (top right)
*****
“My mom is someone I look up to and someone I want to be like when I’m older. She is smart, kind, selfless, beautiful, hilarious and the best workout partner. She is always someone I can talk to and rely on. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you mom!!”
— Jada Phillips, Tennessee Mojo 2024-Ross C
*****
“She supports me on the field, off the field, with a win or with a loss. She has taught me that hard work is necessary to accomplish anything — nothing comes free. She drives me crazy sometimes, but she also drives me to practice.”
— Abby Sliman, Gulf Coast Bombers HTX 14U SS/UT
*****
“I wouldn’t be who I am today without my Mom! She pushed me beyond my limits, she believed I could do anything and everything, never let me quit and she always gave up everything to make sure I would succeed!”
— Cynthia Adams, KC Peppers-Adams coach
*****
“Happy Mother’s Day Mom!!! Thank you everything you have done in my life. I love you so much and I’m very thankful for how much you are loving, caring, funny and person you are. Thank you for the countless hours you have spent at work, softball fields, being here for me and the family and all that you do. I LOVE YOU MOM!!”
— Alex Salter, Alabama-bound P/1B of Georgia Impact Premier 18U-Lewis
*****
“Dear Mom, I am Thankful for all the things you do for me and the sacrifices you make so I can play the game that I love. In a house full of boys and me being the only girl, you manage to make me feel extra special every single day. You always manage to make the impossible possible. Thank you for pushing me to be the greatest and best ME that I can be. I love that you instill in me the importance praying for others, being kind and always showing respect and love to everyone. I am beyond blessed to have you as a mom and very thankful that you love me unconditionally. To my biggest fan, you are the GOAT!! I love you. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.”
— Kyye Ricks, EC Bullets 16U Gold-Mayfield 2022 OF
*****
“Thank you mom for going above and beyond for me each and every year! Happy Mother’s Day to all the softball moms out there.”
— Kennedy Powell, UCLA-committed 2022 IF/OF of Hotshots Premier 16U-Nelson
*****
“Thank you mom for being you. You are truly the best mom anyone could ever ask for. I’m blessed to have someone like you who is always willing to help me get better and separate myself not only just in softball but in life. I can’t thank you enough for always encouraging me to keep reaching for my dreams and goals. Thank you for always hitting me grounders and pitching to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. Love you more than you know.”
— Raigan Barrett, Washington-bound SS/3B of Georgia Impact Premier 18U-Lewis
*****
“I would not be where I am today without my mom. She sacrifices so much of her time to help me reach my goals and become a better player. She catches my bullpens, throws me front toss and is at the field with me all the time. She takes bruises to the shins for me and is the best workout partner I could ask for. I am so lucky to have such a strong and hard-working mom!!”
— Ryan Maddox, OC Batbusters-Stith 2023 P/OF
*****
“My mom has been nothing but a friend to me. She has been a mentor and someone I look up to very much. She’s been a warrior, battling cancer not once, but twice and winning. She’s been one of my biggest inspirations; She’s always there to remind me to never give up. She is always there when I need to talk to her about anything and everything. She’s looked out for me and has encouraged me to do what’s right ALWAYS! She has taught me that the most important thing in life is to know your worth and settle for nothing less than what you deserve. I’m so thankful for the countless hours she and my dad have put into my softball career. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t be who I am today. They have shown me how to be a Godly young lady and how to be a prosperous young adult. My momma means so much to me and I’m so thankful God blessed me with the best! Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommas out there! We couldn’t do it without y’all!”
— Jenna Gibson, Oklahoma Athletics Premier 16U-Madden P/1B
*****
“I would love to thank my mom for all that she’s done to get me where I am at today. The endless hours she’s spent with me to be at my games/or practices, all the money she’s spent for me to be the best I can be and traveling all over the world wouldn’t have been so amazing if it wasn’t for my Mom. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without her pushing me to be the best I could possibly be. But most of all I would like to thank her for being by my side through all the ups and downs of the game we both love the most. I wouldn’t be me without you, mom. I love you.”
— Laney Roos, LSU-bound P/OF of Texas Glory
*****
“My Mom is my biggest supporter and cheerleader! I love her so much for always being there for me and encouraging me to always strive to improve in softball, school and life. I can’t wait for softball travel season to start up again so we can do our routine to and from the field and I can hear her cheering for me from behind the fence. I love you mom. Happy Mother’s Day!!”
— Reese Hunter, EC Bullets 16U-Mayfield 2022 C
*****
“I’m very thankful for my mom because she is very supportive and always makes sure I have what I need! We have a lot of fun memories traveling to softball tournaments and camps together!”
— Dallas Speicher-Ramirez, Heartbreakers Gold 2021 OF/SS
*****
“I would like to honor my mom, Selena Lucas. She has not only been my go to, but to a lot of my teammates as well. Whether it is needing sunblock, hair braided, uniform adjustments, you name it, she is always there for me and my teammates to make the day a little better. She’s my biggest supporter and I couldn’t thank her enough for all she does for me.”
— Rielly Lucas, Marshall-committed 2021 1B/OF of Lousiville Lady Sluggers 16U-Murphy
*****
“Today my mom and I were talking and she said her ‘fondest memories of Mother’s Day were always at the field.’ And then she proceeded to add that why we had the saying ‘Diamonds are a girls best friend! That’s softball. Diamonds of course!'”
— Candace Fitzpatrick, So Cal A’s coach
*****
“I’d like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the softball moms out there! Thank you for all the support, love, and dedication you have to your daughters’ careers! And a huge Happy Mother’s Day to my mom! Thank you for being one of my number one fans and always supporting me! I love you!”
— Haylie Wagner, former Michigan standout and Chicago Bandits P
*****
“Happy Mother’s Day to one of the best softball moms ever. She has been nothing but supportive, caring, loving, and thoughtful throughout my entire life. She has made so many sacrifices when it comes to my softball career and has done whatever she could to make sure she could be there. I am very thankful to have her in my life and guide me down the right path. She is very outgoing and is a light in everybody’s life. I love her so so much.”
— Rachel Cid, Oregon IF
*****
“I would love to share a little bit about my mom! My mom for as long as I have been alive, has been my best friend. Forever blessed and thankful for all of our amazing memories, I am happy that I am able to call this beautiful individual my mother. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you.”
— Lexi Sosa, UCLA P
*****
“My momma has always been there for me through softball and life. She has always been more of the mental side type teacher to me. She taught me that it’s not about perfect, it’s about always giving 100 percent and doing my personal best! My sister also cheers competitively, so it is very difficult for my momma to make it to all of my tournaments, but she is always texting, calling or watching game changer to make sure I’m doing my job!”
— Gracie Mabrey, Team North Carolina-Haggas 2024 IF/UT
*****
“I’d like to give a shoutout to my Mom, Nicole. Thank you mom for being so supportive and giving me every opportunity to play the game I love. YOU allow me to chase my dreams. YOU are my superstar and I surely hit a HR having you as a Mom. I love you, Mom.”
— Ashley Wolfe, Iowa Premier Gold 14U 2023 SS
*****
“For Mother’s Day, just want to say Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom! Thanks for being my #1 fan in my life! Love you!”
— Ava Fleming, Phoenix SB 16U 2023 3B/C
*****
“I want to give a shout out to my mom! She is still the ultimate softball mom! From day 1, she supported all my sports, especially softball, traveled to watch me play in college, listened to my games on the radio and told me to suck it up when I attempted to complain about anything. She drove me to tournaments and all my events even if we had to leave at 3 a.m. to get there on time. And now I am an adult and yet she is still in the group of the most supportive moms out there! She helps me lug softball gear around in her truck, brings me food and supplies when I am at the field all day with my teams, asks about how my girls are doing, runs the online apparel store for our organization, takes care of my girls and families when they need stuff, helps me set up my banquets and signing parties (and helps clean up too!), and overall is genuinely interested and emotionally invested in everything that I do! I can’t thank her enough for her support and being the ultimate FOREVER softball mom!”
— Kim Ensey, So Cal Choppers coach
*****
“I want to thank my Mom for supporting me and giving up time and money to play softball and always allowing my dad to buy so many bats!!”
— Allie Reich, Motion 02 2023 3B/1B
*****
“Saw your post on Mother’s Day memories. Made me think about this time last year. My team coordinated flowers and cookies for our moms before tournament started on Mother’s Day. Got this pic with my mom before playing. Hit a home run and ended up winning first place. My mom is my biggest supporter. No matter the cost, distance, weather, or outcome, she is there to support my love for softball.”
— Finley Caringer, NW Sidewinders 16U Gold 2023 OF/MIF/UT/DP
*****
“I’d like to honor my mom because she does everything for me in life and softball. She drives hours almost every day for my practices, lessons, games and workouts. She travels across the country with me all summer and fall and makes sure I have food, water, or whatever I need. Without her, I wouldn’t be able to play softball (or probably survive) and I love her and all she does for me.”
— Ava Sandra, Rhode Island Thunder Gold 2023 OF
*****
“Our happy place is when we are at the beach. I cherish these special times with my mom.”
— Mia Galella, PA Chaos 14U National 2025 1B/3B/OF
*****
“Not only has my mom supported me and my teammates for the past five years traveling all over the place nearly year-round never missing a game, she has also fallen in love with the sport which is reflected in her willingness to, in her spare time, travel to Clearwater to watch some of the most elite teams in college softball play 12-plus hours a day for three straight days. My very first travel game in August 2015, she was recovering from surgery where she donated a kidney to our family friend, yet she insisted on coming and wouldn’t take no for an answer! She has spent Mothers Days, birthdays and many anniversaries at the field never once complaining. Though I’m sure she’d sometimes rather be relaxing on a beach somewhere, she is always the first one awake, the last one to sleep and always steps up if a teammate needs to travel with us. Without my mom’s support, encouragement and sacrifice, I would not be half the player and person I am today!”
— Anna Hinde, Team North Carolina 16U-Hinde 2025 3B/C
— Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)