Things the last few days have been kinda stressful. Between softball, players running to other teams, physics, and the fact that I get to apply to PT school in the upcoming months have had me freaked out over the past few days. Why you may ask? Well, its because I get annoyed easily when it comes to things that I love, and because I can't let anything go. Also, because I have not had any time shadowing in a clinical setting which I need by July 15th.
When it comes to softball, its all about my season. This is MY season. Sure its every other players season too, but this one is very important to me as it is my comeback. It is finally my time to shine, and it seems like everyone is jumping ship. People are running to other teams, and saying how fall ball is not important, and honestly, that scares me. I was brought up knowing that fall ball is the pre-season. It is when you first meet the new teammates, bond with them, and also find your niche in the team. This is when you show off, be cocky and prove to everyone else that this is my spot, where I deserve to be. Yes, I know not everyone has their priorities in the same place as everyone else, and I am not saying that those who ran to other sports deserve to be kicked out or anything like that. I am simply saying that thanks to the fact that they are not there, it means the rest of us are going to work harder, give it our all, and prove that we are a dedicated bunch who are softball players first. I do not categorize myself as a person who goes to university, is a part of ____# of organizations, and happens to play softball. No, I am a Softball Player who is doing what she loves in college, working to her ultimate goal. Softball player first. Not a member of UBC, not an Exercise Science Major, no its Softball first.
One may think that my thinking is messed up, but hey, this is me, and how I do things. It disappoints me to think that other do not care about the fall season. It's games, its playing time, and honestly it is just as important as the regular season. Possibly more. This is when the dedication shows, not at the 4:45 in the morning practices. No, the preseason when the games do not count for nothing. When your teammates are joining you just for the love of the game, and the feel of the turf beneath their feet. Why is it more important? Well, this is because you are there because you want to be, even if you have better things to be doing. Sure it is not required, but being there when everything is optional lets everyone else know exactly what you are willing to do for your passion, your sport, and for them. Would you rather a teammate who gave it their all, or only showed up? Missing fall ball because it is optional is honestly just like only showing up for the games, or the classes in which you have a test that day. There is no dedication, no passion, no wish for glory. There is only disappointment.
They say half the battle is showing up, well, honestly I do not believe that. Half the battle is trusting your teammates to be just as dedicated and goal oriented as you are. Those who just show up, will never get there, and they will never be more than people who play softball. I am a softball player, so I like to think. I worked my ass off every day last year just to be given a shot to play. A shot, not even a guarantee. I am still working my ass off every day in the AFC, doing a specialized, optional program for my ankle to be stronger, my balance to be better, and to give me a better chance at starting. So yes, I think I deserve to be called a softball player. But, then again, that is up to my teammates, and my coaches, not me. It is they who decide if I am as dedicated as I think I am, not me. I am proud to work my ass off everyday to be ready. Sure, I may not run distance, but I can sure as hell do my 360ft sprints, work up the stamina for the stamina grounder drill, and I can be a team player for my teammates. Need someone to throw too, just give me a call. Need a partner for t-work, chat me, I will be there because I have no hesitation when it comes to going the extra mile for my sport. I do more than just show up.
This is just my thinking so if you do get offended, please do not get offended.
Now that is out of the way. I cannot wait until tuesday! I really can't wait to get out onto the field, wear my cleats, and own my position, even if I look rather bad at first.
Here is to the new season!
Laurel Lee
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