I was a simple 6 year old when I first stepped onto the instructional field,
I enjoyed picking flowers and playing in the dirt ,
catching the ball was just something extra to do.

I reached the scary age of moving up into the pigtail division,
taking charge with a team called the Blizzards.
It was on this team I learned softball was more the picking flowers,
it was about becoming a team.
The first year I quickly learned to catch thanks to a line drive,
learned to compromise, work together, and speak my mind,
I learned that things don’t always go as planned and to roll with life.

In the following years I enhanced my skills of speaking my mind,
Getting in the face of someone twice my size became a regular event,
Never thought twice about it.
I learned to enjoy the small things, to cheer for the team even if we are losing.
Learned that even in defeat to be graceful.
I came across many amazing people in the 3 years I was on the Blizzards,
I still know many of them today.
We were the team to beat and left the team with a coach wearing pink socks.

I reached the point where once again I had to move up a division,
I left the pigtails and the Blizzard behind and became a Seawitch.
By now my skills of standing up for my self and speaking my mind were complete,
At least I thought so at the time,
I thought I was “the thing to be” back then.
That first year was a rough one it quickly lead to me leaving my fellow Seawitch team members,
I joined the team coached by a man who would talk for both coaches.
I learned a lot from him, how to run bases, how to back each other up.
Learned that I was not “the thing to be” and started to humble myself,
I found respect of those who had little to none from me before,
I thought I would never have to step up and face another adult again.
It was during my time in this division that I lost my father,
I learned about death, growing up, broken trust, and forgiveness.
It was time for me to move up again and this time I was drafted to the Wizards.

My first year in the Senior division was almost my last,
I learned that adults are not always as grand as they seem,
I watched as more fits were thrown.
For once my mouth stayed shut,
I learned quick when to talk and when to stay quite,
Learned how to support a losing team, how to settle my anger, and how to respect even more.
My softball days were saved by a raining day when a scheduled game turned into a practice,
The coach of the Rascals promised me a spot on his team the next year,
My move to the Rascals marks the biggest change in my life.
I had forgiven my former Blizzards coach and had gained more respect for him,
The power struggle was over.
I learned how to work with a team that knew what they were doing,
I gained respect for the team members and coaches.
I learned how to take criticism, and I once again played for a big mouthed Asst. Coach.
My second year on the Rascals I was able to work with the team with no problem,
I knew more about how things worked and I was having fun each time I stepped on the field.
I learned about loyalty to my team and being more then just another player.
It was at the end of my second year on this team that I was again using my voice.
I found a way with words, I supported a man I once fought.
I learned that one person can change the outcome of something,
one voice can be louder then a crowd.

This is my third year on the Rascals,
With our Asst. Coach now our Head Coach we started the season with only 7 returning players.
The second game of the season again brought turmoil to the team,
A misunderstanding is all it was,
Blown up.
Adults again showing that players can be more mature.
Once again I use my words to part the dark clouds over my Head Coach,
I went at him with full force and I learned that not everyone is right.
I learned that problems come up, rolling with the punches is how it has to be.
I learned so much from one simple week,
not even my own flow of words could explain.
I also was hurt deeply in this week of confusion,
Hurt by those I trust and respect.
This is where forgiveness was played out and embracing everything I have ever learned in this league.
It’s my final year playing.

Looking back at everything,
I see that what I learned in this league will help me be a better person.
I learned a lot and learned to do what I love doing no matter what.
“Semper Gumbi” is a motto I live by now… Always flexible.
And above all I learned how to embrace the people around me and what they have to offer me.
Words could never express how thankful I am that I became part of this league.
I will never forget what this league taught me,
Nor will I forget those who taught me everything I know now.
The Prince William Lassie League made me the person I am today.