No laughing. I thought how this could change lives. I thought about how words of kindness could literally change the course of someone's life, especially because we NEVER EVER EVER know what these kids are going through on the day to day. I thought about the kindness of strangers I've encountered in my life as a confused teenager who made an impact.

And that, is my softball love story. I hope that whomever reads this, realizes that whether they are in the dugout or on the bleachers and sidelines, there are eyes, very impressionable eyes - watching and learning about life through the examples you provide.

Need a facemask? Then get one that is made by an organization that isn't afraid to put YOUR DAUGHTER first. Notice how many awesome colors that they come in? Because they know GIRLS! PERIOD. Sliding shorts?? Yep.

Sometimes, love doesn’t look like a Hallmark Card. In fact, most times it doesn’t. It doesn’t come wrapped up in a package with hearts, and it isn’t spoken out loud with the common words we are all accustomed to hearing. Sometimes, saying I love you, especially softball style – is more about what we do…

So, why I share my story is because I want other people - the non-players (parent, coaches) to know how much pressure can be on the players from a young age. Especially when they are very talented. I was always heralded for doing so good under pressure, it was one of my gifts. And, I loved the game more than anything in the world. I loved to pitch more than anything in the world. But there was also an immense amount of pressure on me. Fear of losing a game, of making a mistake. Fear of disappointing people. Fear of someone replacing me. Fear of not being validated by making it to a D1 college. Fear of being useless if I couldn't pitch. So much fear that I never really digested or realized.