Summer between the bases

The air was thick with heat and sunscreen. Our cleats kicked up dust as we ran onto the field already tired from two earlier games.  Summer felt like nonstop softball tournaments weekend after weekend. We practically lived out of hotels and coolers packed with sandwiches, fruit and especially the sports drinks like"Gatorade" and “Body Armour.”But most of all was our shady sanctuary, the pop-up tents where I would be if I wasn’t playing a game.  

The only thing that really mattered to me was playing well for college coaches and of course myself.  Every game could feel like an audition  with the college coaches watching. I played up to nine games every weekend. It was exhausting but I loved it. 

I enjoyed playing softball, especially making friends, but mostly definitely playing the sport I love. I played on 18u this summer which was definitely a challenge especially with me being the youngest on the team. I didn't play my position, but when I did play I would play out in the outfield. I learned a lot and faced better competition. Those weekends were more than just games. They were inside jokes, sunburns, and late night fast food runs after the wins or losses. 

The smell of fresh cut grass and dusty infields brings me back to my summer softball memories. Summer softball wasn't about the wins, it was about the grind and friendships. To me softball was my summer not vacations or beaches but hustle, sweat, growing as a player and person, but most of all bringing me closer to my goal. Can’t wait for what else you have for me softball, until next time.