Softball

I was first introduced to Softball in third grade P.E. and was immediately hooked. I did not feel the same attraction to all the other sports I tried as I did with Softball. I was persistent about playing and my parents enrolled me in the league a year later. I fell in love with being on the field and overall environment that my love for the sport only increased as time went on. If my 9-year-old self looked at me now, she would not believe I am a catcher. Whether it be fielding or hitting, I was so scared whenever a ball came in my general direction during my first year that I do not think she would believe I voluntarily put myself behind the plate. Catcher is my favorite position on the field and my favorite aspect is pitch-calling. I like to analyze batters and help my pitchers get that K and as hypocritical as it may be, I hate it when other catchers do that to me. I work a lot off the tee to drill the mechanics of my swing while training myself to let go when I am in the box. One of the biggest lessons Softball has taught me is how to deal with failure.  I am a perfectionist and failing was not in my dictionary until I met Softball. I was striking out and did not throw every runner out. I got mad and then failed again. I had to learn to let go of what happened last time to be successful this time.  Each failure acted as a learning moment and fuel to get better which has led to where I am today.