Finding Joy in the Journey: Why I’m Forever Thankful for the Game of Softball

Finding Joy in the Journey: Why I’m Forever Thankful for the Game of Softball

Softball has been more than a sport for me—it’s been a lifelong teacher, a source of joy, and a platform for growth. It’s shaped me in ways I never imagined, from humbling lessons on the field to lifelong relationships off it. While the game doesn’t define my worth, it has undeniably molded the person I am today. This is why I’ll always be grateful for softball.

Lessons in Resilience and Humility

Softball has taught me that life, like the game, is full of highs and lows. Whether I went 4-for-4 or 0-for-4, the game always had something to teach me. Striking out four times in a game didn’t define me as a person, but it taught me resilience. On the flip side, going 4-for-4 was a moment for humility, not arrogance. This balance between learning from failure and staying grounded in success is something I carry with me every day.

The parallels between softball and life are clear: we all face challenges, but it’s how we respond to them that defines us. Those lessons helped me during my toughest times, including a difficult junior season when I struck out more than I had in my first two seasons combined. I nearly hung up my cleats, but God had a different plan. That season of struggle became a lesson I now use to help players I’ve coached, showing them that failure is part of growth.

A Platform Bigger Than Myself

Softball has given me a platform to make a difference. It allowed me to become a role model for the younger generation while also introducing me to role models who’ve impacted my life. I had the privilege of playing under incredible coaches at ULM, like Molly Fichtner, who remains one of my biggest inspirations. Molly taught me how to lead with grace and determination, and I’m forever grateful for her influence both as a player and later as a coach.

Beyond the field, softball gave me opportunities to serve my community, connect with younger athletes, and use my experiences to inspire others. It’s humbling to think about the impact the game has allowed me to have, and for that, I am truly thankful.

Family Moments I’ll Never Forget

Some of my most cherished memories involve my parents and their unwavering support throughout my softball journey. They came to almost all my games, cheering me on through every moment of my career. They were my shoulder to lean on after a tough loss and my favorite hug after a big win. My dad literally stopped his own coaching career to watch me play for five years, dedicating himself fully to my growth and success.

Their support extended beyond the games. My parents would time me for my conditioning tests, and I’m pretty sure my dad would count faster just to push me harder. Looking back, I’m so thankful he did. From pitching to me late at night in freezing weather to shagging balls in a hotel parking lot during senior weekend, they were always by my side.

Those moments weren’t just about improving my skills—they were about bonding, creating memories, and showing love through their sacrifices. The last time I hit with my parents is a memory I’ll hold close forever. It wasn’t about the mechanics or the stats; it was about the connection we shared through this game. Softball brought us closer together, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

The Unexpected Gift of a Second Chance

March 11, 2020, felt like the end of my softball career. COVID-19 shut everything down, and I thought I had played my final game, going 0-for-3. But God wasn’t finished with my story. He gave me another season—a chance to wear “ULM Warhawks” across my chest one more time. Returning for my super senior season gave me a new perspective: play every game like it’s your last.

It’s a phrase we often hear, but living it is different. That season, I played with the same joy I felt as a 10-year-old stepping onto the field for the first time. I embraced every moment, from the grind of practice to the thrill of competition. That season wasn’t about stats or wins; it was about gratitude and the pure love of the game.

Softball: A Lifelong Teacher

Even though I’m no longer playing or coaching, the lessons I’ve learned from softball continue to guide me. The game taught me resilience, the importance of hard work, and how to find joy in the journey. It also taught me that failure isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to grow. Softball showed me that you can fail seven times out of ten and still be an All-American, a lesson I apply to every challenge I face.

The relationships I built through softball are just as important as the lessons. Lifelong friends, mentors, and teammates have enriched my life in ways that go far beyond the game. These connections remind me that softball is about more than wins and losses; it’s about the people you meet along the way.

A Message to Players: Don’t Take It for Granted

If there’s one thing I want every softball player to know, it’s this: don’t take the game for granted. It can be gone in an instant. Cherish every practice, every game, and every moment with your teammates. Play with the joy and passion of a child discovering the game for the first time.

Softball was my getaway, my sanctuary. When I stepped between those white lines, nothing else mattered. The game gave me a purpose, a community, and a lifetime of memories. For all of this, I am deeply thankful. It’s more than a sport—it’s a blessing.

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