A Letter To The Disqualified Atlee Softball Team
Start writing a post
Sports

A Letter To The Disqualified Atlee Softball Team

As Jimmy V said, "Don't give up, don't ever give up."

235
A Letter To The Disqualified Atlee Softball Team
GTS Elite

Dear Disqualified Atlee Softball Team,

I want to start off by telling you that I am not writing to degrade or embarrass you any further. The whole country has seen your team picture with all of your faces, along with the Snapchat of 6 of you, sometimes with faces blurred and sometimes without. I’m writing to you from one athlete to another, one woman to another, and one small town girl to another. I am writing to you all in an attempt to give you some words of encouragement during a time when you are receiving so much hatred and scrutiny.

Very quickly, I will address the punishment you received, but I refuse to dwell on it. You made the conscious decision to post that Snapchat, and I guarantee you were not the first team to ever post something along those lines. However, you all are young and you got caught; therefore you were made an example of. You received punishment for the unsportsmanlike conduct, and whether I agree or disagree, I will not say. This is not about me, and this is not a letter to start a brawl over correct or incorrect punishment.

You girls are all obviously very talented softball players. I mean, you wouldn’t have been hours from the championship game of the Junior League World Series if you lacked any sort of talent. I recognize a few of your faces. In fact, I know one of you fairly well. To the player I know: I'm proud of you for not having your finger in the air. Back to knowing some of your faces, though. I was among the Hanover High School softball team that put on clinics at Atlee Little League from 2010-2014. I’m sure I crossed paths with several of you along the way, and I hope you continue to play ball and grow as players.

The most important part of this letter begins now:

Do not let this unfortunate event define you. I’m sure you know that nothing can be erased once it goes onto the internet. Unfortunately, this will trail you for the remainder of your careers. The talent you possess at this age will carry you a very long ways. Trust me, I've witnessed it before. Most likely some of you will be looked at for college ball, and you will have to defend your actions when they Google your name and see an event from your past. I let a few coaches from my high school ruin my love for the game for me, and I don’t want you all to let individuals over the internet ruin the game for you. Don’t quit something that you are insanely talented at because you screwed up one time. People across the country will continue to post and comment on the series of events that took place, but they don't know you the they don't get to tear your self-esteem down. Learn from this and grow not only as young ladies, but as athletes as well.

In the world we currently live in, it is quite easy to let the hatred through social media hurt our mentalities. You messed up, but hold your heads high and move forward. Softball is not just a game that you completely live; it’s a way of life. Keep playing, keep chasing the dream of college ball, and don’t ever give up. I leave you with my favorite quote from a college basketball coach that was long before your time. Jimmy V once said, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

Sincerely,

A Sympathizing Retired Athlete

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70862
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132453
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments