There are many different types of softball players, but since I have been playing I have met none like the ones I am about to talk about. I started playing softball when I was in the 5th grade and I knew I wasn't the best at it. So whenever someone told me that I was doing something good I loved it. I still wasn't that good of a player when I decided to try out for my high school team during my freshman year. I know the coach thought that I wouldn't make it through the way he was acting toward me.
However, there were 5 sophomores on the team who never gave up on me. They would stay after practices and help me out, even though they were tired and wanted to go home. They would take time to work with me on my batting, throwing, and catching. When we conditioned they never left me behind, they were always right there encouraging me. Telling me how good I could be.
My sophomore year I thought that they might have given up on me, but I was wrong. They worked with me yet again, corrected small mistakes I was making, and they helped me earn some form of respect in our coach's eyes that year. Because of their encouragement I worked my butt off during summer ball and improved alot. I never quit or gave up because of those five special girls.
At the start of my junior year, I knew I still wasn't good enough to start or even play that much. But I was to the point where I could go in during the game and play to the level I was supposed to. That year those five girls were seniors. And even with all they had going on in their lives they still worked with me and helped me to become the player that I am now. I watched them walk across the graduation stage in May and I realized how close I had gotten to them and how much I respected them for what they had taught me. Not just the game, but also dedication and how not to give even when the odds are stacked against you. I'll never forget those five girls.
Now at the start of my Senior year, I'm back again ready to play and prove that I am ready to play and that I deserve to play. I was told the other day by my coach that I would have the chance to prove myself this fall and during pre-season practice, that I would have a shot at an outfield position. I heard him tell me how dedicated I was, how he respected me, and how he was proud of me for sticking it out. And all I could think was "thank you girls, this is because of you". If it wasn't for them I'm not sure I'd still be playing softball. So this is a special thank you for the five girls who never let me give up and never let me quit.
I love you all....#20, #12, #14, #00, and #22