Thank you for helping me to be the butterfly I am today. Thank you for teaching me to soar.

To my mentors,

Before I started playing for you guys, I wasn't sure what my purpose on the field was. My whole softball career I had been so afraid of messing up and making a fool out of myself that I always belittled my strength as a player. On my other teams I always had to make the biggest effort to get my coaches attention; whereas, when I came to play with you all, I instantly felt like I fit in. So thank you for that.

I still remember my first practice for this team. I didn't know anyone. New coaches, new teammates, new field. It was a whole new environment for me. I look back on that windy day in 2014 and remember pulling into the parking lot of the fields and looking at my mom. Next thing I knew the tears were flowing out of my eyes like nothing. "I can't do it, mom," I cried. "What if they don't like me? I'm gonna mess up. I don't know anyone here. I'm scared. Can't we just go home?" I was so nervous, and my anxiety didn't make it any better. My mom looked me in the eye and laughed at me. "You'll be okay babe, I promise. You're gonna do just fine. Go make friends!" I wiped my tears, pulled myself together, got out of the car and slowly walked to the fields. From the moment I stepped on the field and met you guys and my new teammates, my perspective on not only the game, but life had changed forever. Thanks for that, too.

That first practice meant everything. I felt so comfortable with the new set of girls that were now my teammates and having you guys as my coaches was a HUGE plus. My first season with you guys was such a great one. You helped me to step out of my comfort zone and showed me that I could play a position that I never even imagined being a starter for. My second season was even better. Becoming the starting first basemen and one of the strongest hitters on one of the top teams in the league meant absolutely everything to me. Thank you for pushing me to appreciate my skills and for putting the thought that I was strong enough to be a starter at any position I wanted into my head. Practice makes perfect.

You three are such inspiration to me, I have nothing but love and respect for you guys. I couldn't be more thankful that I've had the opportunity to be taught by you all. I wouldn't be the softball player I am today without your words of encouragement, your guidance, and your respect for me as a person and a player. Thank you for helping me to find my worth on the field.

Sincerely, the player you broke out of her caterpillar skin and turned into a soaring butterfly