Sunday, May 20, 2007

Play With Joy in Your Hearts



One year ago at this time, I was nearing the end of a long run coaching my daughter in fastpitch softball. This picture was taken after the final out of our last game in Park City, Utah.

As we neared the end of that game, my heart welled up so much it hurt. The joy I felt for having had the opportunity to enjoy the fastpitch softball experience with my daughter was unmatched by anything I've ever felt.

I decided to continue coaching to hold on to that feeling.

I am so proud of the human beings that makeup our team. We have hit a bump in the road in terms of our performance in recent weeks. Such bumps are tests of character. Many people when faced with such challenges turn against each other and implode from within. I know that this will not happen to this team. You each are too good of human beings to allow that to happen. I know that our best games are ahead of us, not behind us.

The key is that we need to remember how lucky we are to be blessed with the skills to play this game. We need to remember that by some twist of fate fourteen young women from twelve different high schools have come together as one to make not just a team, but to form a bond that you will remember forever.

We need to remember that for the next 8 to 10 weeks, every time we step on a playing field we will play with joy in our hearts because we are so blessed. We need to remember to play like this is the last time we will ever play this great game.

We need to be in the moment. No outside distractions. No stress about what others think. No stress about winning and losing. Just a game with a bat, glove, and ball. You play like that and the winning takes care of itself.

Softball is not the most important thing in your life. But, it is something that you have chosen to make a special part of your young lives. Enjoy it while it lasts. Treasure the time with your friends and family at the ballpark. Take our moments together seriously and make the best of them.

This will not last forever. Let's not waste a minute of it when we are together.

Win or lose, we will play with joy in our hearts.

If we do that, you will remember these days forever as some of the best days of your lives.

I am blessed to be the coach of this team. And, I will approach these last two months of this season with the same joy and excitement that each of you will.

Hopefully, a good number of you will be back together for another season next year. For now, let's enjoy the season we have and make it the best of our lives.

2 comments:

Vanessa said...

Coach,
I couldn't have said it better myself. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful team. Each player brings her own personality, flare, and love for the game to the team. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect combination. I know we will make it past this bump in the road with a renewed zeal and passion for the game, despite the outcome. I hope that we will have a new attitude and a better outlook the next time we step on the field. Thanks for believing in us so much, we couldn't do it without you.

warriorsboy said...

Hey Coach,Still looking at that picture makes me cry. You and Kert are amazing coaches keep up the good work wish I could go back and play for you guys again you always seemed to pick the best players. Not just softball wise but personality wise! good luck this year hope to be seeing your games soon!! Girls don't take advantage of the summer playing ball. When it's over even the good andeven teh bad times were worth it in teh end. You might trade anything to be back playing again!