To my mom,

I will start by saying thank you. You have always been one of my biggest supporters. No matter what happens you are always in my corner. It’s tough to grow up and experience new things and challenges. You allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and always picked me back up when I was feeling down. You have always supported me in everything I’ve done and for that I am forever thankful.

First off, I have to say thanks for always washing my uniform. From coming home late at night from games and for staying up just to make sure it was clean for the next game early in the morning. Thank you for always being willing to spend your weekends at the ball field when you could be at home. And for always going to get me a snack or drink if I needed one. Thank you for not letting me get too down on myself after a bad game. Lastly, thank you for just being there for me when I needed you the most.

To my dad,

I know the end of my softball career was just as sad for you as it was for me. It was an end to you being a softball dad. Every step of my career you were right there with me. Softball has always been our thing since the age of 11(when I started playing competitively). I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have you to constantly push me to be the best.

Thank you for driving me everywhere. The hours that you spent driving me to pitching lessons, practices, and tournaments have to be more than I ever actually spent playing. I know you were probably tired most of the time from work, but you never complained once about taking me somewhere. You took time out of your day to help make sure that I was the very best player I could be.

Thank you for always being my catcher, my pitching machine feeder, and always hitting me balls in the outfield. You were my motivator, fan, and coach off the field. Thank you for being just as happy as I was if my curveball was working for a game or if I finally got the big hit that I was waiting on after being in a slump. And thank you for always talking with me after games to let me know that I played great and what to work on for the next game.

When I look at myself today, I realize that you were the ones who shaped me to be who I am. You were my biggest supporters and the ones who taught me you have to work hard if you wanted to achieve a goal. Although it wasn’t always easy and sometimes I would get mad at both of you, I know I wouldn’t be who I am without you two and the love and support you shared with me durig my softball career.

Love lots,

#00