Baylor Softball

The past four years of my life have been anything but easy. From knee surgery, stress fractures, a broken foot, arm injuries, two bilateral leg surgeries, infection, sickness and countless doctor’s appointments, this journey has tested me in ways I never could have imagined. There were so many moments when it would have been easier to give up, when the pain was overwhelming, and when all I wanted was to get back to doing the one thing I love more than anything…playing softball. There were days when I questioned why this was happening to me, days when I felt like I was watching the sport I loved from the sidelines while everyone else kept moving forward. But looking back now, I realize that even in the moments when I felt the weakest, I was becoming stronger. As I sit here and write this, I still can’t believe I made it through everything it took to get here. Although I still struggle with pain, I cannot put into words how grateful I am to step onto the field everyday. Something I once took for granted has become one of my greatest blessings. Every time I get to move my body, pick up a softball, and do what I love, I’m reminded of just how much I have to be thankful for. I’ve learned that sometimes you don’t truly understand how much something means to you until you have to fight to get it back. I would not be the person I am today without this journey, and I certainly would not have made it through without the people who stood beside me through every high and low. To the people who carried me up the stairs when I couldn’t walk, stayed by my side through the tears, listened when I was struggling, and reminded me of my strength when I couldn’t find it within myself, thank you. You will never truly understand how much your love and support carried me through some of the darkest moments of my life. I will forever be grateful for the people who never gave up on me, even when I was struggling to believe in myself. This journey has taught me that strength isn’t always about being tough or pushing through the pain. Sometimes it’s about getting up one more time and trusting that the hard times of your life are shaping you into the person you’re meant to become. If you’re reading this and you’re in the middle of your own battle, let this be your sign to keep going. Even when your struggles feel never ending, even when you’re tired of being strong, and even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, please don’t give up on yourself or the dreams God has placed on your heart. Your setbacks do not define you, and your hardest times will not last forever. Four years ago, I never could have imagined how much I would have to overcome just to get back to doing what I love. Today, I get to step back onto the field with a heart full of gratitude and an appreciation for every single moment. I still carry the pain from this journey, but I also carry the strength, the lessons, and the memories that came with it. I’ll never take the opportunity to play this game for granted. And if there’s one thing these past four years have taught me, it’s that sometimes the things that break you down the most are the things that build you into who you want to become.