Travel Ball As Teacher
I'm writing this message as both a thank you and therapy: a thank you to the coaches and families of the Dixie Chicks who have made this past softball year such a wonderful experience, and therapy for me because I am sad to see it all end but hopeful that much will endure.
I've seen girls get injured and come to each practice and game anyway to cheer on their team mates. I've seen girls blow big plays and feel so sorry they've let down their team ; and their team mates never blame or point fingers, instead they share stories of the time they made the big error and tell each other that they'll get it next time. I've seen coaches firmly telling players to get their heads back in the game one minute and then dancing and giggling with the girls the next. I've seen girls dancing in the rain together and helping a team mate walk when she's in pain. I've seen families on the sidelines, cheering a great play, holding their breath as a kid gets hit by a ball, and passing around food and drink - and I don't just mean for their own kid! I've seen all these girls and families make lots of wonderful memories off the fields as well; at hotels, pools, shopping centers, restaurants, holiday parties, amusement parks, and more. And most recently I've seen all these girls (and some of the families too) in tears over the realization that their time together as a team has come to an end - but smiling too because of the realization that they are now sisters forever and can never be completely separated.
Travel fast pitch softball is not for the faint of heart, nor does it make family life with multiple kids easy to navigate, but as much as it is challenging logistically it gives back in ways I didn't even imagine. Over the course of this past year I have watched my daughter grow and make friends through her involvement with the team, and despite juggling the schedules of three girls and pets I have done the same and enjoyed every minute!
So, here I share with you lessons from our year, and the thing I love most about these lessons is that they can be applied to anything in life -not just softball. And while I know that some of these lessons have been taught to many of the girls in various ways before this year, I'm certain that learning them through this sport, this team, and these people has solidified them in ways that will stay with them for years to come.
Weather is irrelevant: extreme heat to extreme cold, these girls have played in it all, and they don't complain or use it as an excuse. They have a job to do, and they'll do it and have fun doing it regardless of factors outside of their control, such as the weather.
Shake it off: errors happen, losses happen, and injuries happen, but if you don't let them change your attitude you can keep pushing towards greatness. A game is made up of several innings and just because you lose one doesn't mean you lose the game.
Always hustle: you can't wait until the end of the game or it may be too late. Hustle is both physical and mental - energetic and aggressive. Hustle in practice and on every play, and it becomes a habit that makes you better in all you do.
When you reach one goal, it's time to set a new one: enjoy each hit, each run, each win, and then set your sights for something bigger. It is only in always striving for greatness that you grow and achieve big dreams.
On the bench or in the field, you have a role to play: everyone on the team can make a difference even if they're not playing that particular inning or game. Support and excitement from people that matter is contagious, so be on the fence and in the circle cheering, be waiting in the dugout to give hugs, high-fives, and pats on the back as needed, and never underestimate the impact that all has on your team mates.
Back-up can be the difference between success & failure: be confident that your team mates will do their jobs well, but remember that stuff happens so you should always back them up too. Having a back-up doesn't indicate lack of confidence or ability, but rather shows great planning and commitment to success.
Keep it real: your team mates will be there for you whether you're on top of your game or struggling and whether they're are hurt or at their best, so be your best self but don't pretend with them. They don't care how you look, or whether you have name brand clothes - all that matters is that you're there with them giving it your all in every way.
Friendship, respect, & camaraderie can make the toughest loss a little better and everything more fun: it's the people you play with and for that are most important, so if you keep the relationships right the rest will work itself out.
Be grateful: these coaches and girls would not be out there going through all the adversity that is naturally part of this game if they didn't love it. So all of us, players and families alike, need to remember this and be grateful for all the good and all the effort being put forth by so many. Don't take your coach, your team mate, or your family member for granted.
And so I end my ramblings with a very large and heartfelt THANK YOU!
