If I were to choose only one place that has made me, “me,” it would be the softball field. I played softball from age six all the way through college, and I trained year-round beginning at age ten. You could argue that softball was one of my most valued occupations growing up and seemingly what my entire world revolved around. It even dictated where I received my college education! I dedicated years of my life and thousands of hours to traveling, practicing, and competing, all in an effort to maintain my routines and develop into a more well-rounded player and individual. When considering physical environmental factors, there were few times that you couldn’t find me on a field covered in red dirt and grass stains, working out in the gym, or …show more content…
With every passing season, my teammates became like family and my coaches took on mentor roles. Sure, I remember some big plays and important games, but more than anything I reminisce about memories with my teammates and all the fun we had on and off the field. In addition to the people I met through the sport, this pastime is one of the main ways I have bonded with my parents throughout my life thus far, and I’m grateful to have had a steady support system in them. Further, softball gave me clarity and served as an outlet for emotional regulation during stressful times in my life, and contributed to feelings of warmth and being at-ease. Culturally, playing team sports engrains you with important values, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving skills, perseverance, accountability, and strong work ethic, among others. Playing team sports has often been associated with higher academic achievement (due to aspects like repetition and memorization) and fewer behavioral issues. Finally, in many families, participation in certain sports is passed down through generations, and my family is no exception. My aunt, older sister, myself, and now my niece, have all played and the rituals of playing for hours in the summer heat continue. Likewise, I played for some of the same coaches as my older sister, and they remember me in diapers! Overall, I’m eternally grateful for the sport of softball and wish I hadn’t taken it for granted all these