What Does Softball Mean To Me

As someone that has been born and raised in Louisiana, I encounter many wonderful sites each day that I take for granted. Although I see so many beautiful places, there is one ordinary place that has an extremely significant meaning to me. This place represents countless things to me such as family, friends, love, dedication, hard work, and most importantly- faith. This location is the softball field at my school- Vandebilt Catholic.
Because I am a softball player, I spend a lot of time at the softball field for games and practices. As a result, it now means more to me than simply a place where I play a sport. To me, this field represents family. It represents family to me because my teammates are always there to encourage me every step of

the way. They support me when I make a mistake, comfort me when I'm upset, and help me grow in every aspect of the game. Being a part of a team is like having a second family which is something few people have the luxury of enjoying. Another thing this field represents to me is love. This is because of the love I have for my teammates, coaches, and the game itself. Every game and practice I have on that field, I can almost feel the love and dedication that has been poured out by every player over the years. This helps me realize that hard work is also an important aspect of what makes this field so special. Hard work means giving it your all for something bigger than yourself even when there is nothing left to give. This is something I have learned to live by everyday when I step on that field. Hard work is enduring every ball that hits me, every pitch I do not hit, and every error I make and using that to get better. Hard work is not something that can be taught; it is something that is in the heart of a true athlete. Hard work is the gift that always gives back and that is something I experience every game, every practice, and every pitch.
Inspiration is also something that this field means to me.

My coaches inspire me everyday to be the best softball player I can possibly be and to sacrifice everything for the sake of the game. They always help me find the extra energy I did not know I had. This meaning that if I feel defeated or if I feel like I can not go anymore, my coaches are there to inspire me to keep going. One of my coaches has won several state championships, and this inspires me to work hard, so I can be on one of these amazing teams. Another coach of mine is going to college to be a physical therapist. This inspires me to not only do well in softball, but it inspires me to succeed academically as well. Secondly, leadership is also something that could represent the Vandebilt softball field because it is something that I have learned to respect. Although my team does not have very many seniors, they have done an amazing job of leading the team. To be a leader, one must be respectful and assertive, but they also have to be kind and compassionate to others. I feel like the seniors this year have done a great job at leading the team and helping us do well this season. They have shown us how to improve in every part of the game and how to improve as people. They have inspired us to step up and never give

up.
Despite this field meaning so many things to me, faith is the most important. Before each game, our teams prays not only for a good outcome but also for the wellbeing of each team and player. After each game, both teams come together and pray thanking God for every player's safety and allowing us to be apart of such a wonderful sport. This is very meaningful to me because no matter what happens on the field everyone is able to come together in the end. The fact that one of the most important things in my life helps me grow closer to God every day is extremely significant to me. The fact that I am allowed to experience God on and off the field is one of the many blessings in my life.
The last thing this field represents to me is the place where I grew up and grew out of my childishness by learning how to deal with certain situations.

Although I did not play on this field until I started going to Vandebilt, this is the place where I have learned many life skills and how to be successful in life. In every softball skill, there is a life lesson to be taught along with it. For example, communicating on the field is important in clearing up any confusions, and this goes along with life as well. Communicating is essential to success in every occupation especially when working with others. Another example of this would be learning how to handle hardships. On every team, there is that one person no one likes or that one person that gets on everyone's last nerve; however, it is coming together as a team that leads to victory. This is much like putting aside our own needs in today's world. Finally, there is failure. Failure is going to happen throughout everything in life, but it is one's ability to get back up that stands out. Vince Lombardi once said, " It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." All in all, this softball field not only teaches me how to excel in softball but also how to excel in

life.
In the end, Vandebilt Catholic's softball field is not a special thing to most people; however, it is one of the most positive influences in my life. It is a place where I can grow in skills, family, friends, and faith. Many do not view the field as a place that "gives back" what is being given, but I believe it is a place that gives back so much more