I cannot express how proud I am of my daughter’s senior game today. She played selflessly and well - 2 RBI game - one for the first score of the game and one for the go-ahead in the next inning. Plus some ESPN highlight catches. Way to go out on top Kat!

Whatever level you or your child plays on (JUCO, D3, D2,D1) be PROUD. REMEMBER ONLY 8% of players get there. Even if they are on the bench they are still among the elite. Savor every minute because it goes by fast!

-Go to takeover tournaments and camps where the college coaches can coach and interact with you in a more direct level. - If an “elite” team really wants you they will find a way to help you financially. We saw families take our loans to play on these teams. Crazy!

- Love the school, not the coach or staff. Coaches leave! But if you love the school you can still thrive. -young players who didn’t make an elite travel team this year, don’t stop playing. Find a team where you fit and enjoy the ride!

So here’s what I think for those who are just starting out on this journey: - nobody is recruiting you at 14 in softball. Just have fun. We saw many excellent players who were burn out and quit - we saw a lot of players quit in college too.

Athletes have a higher risk of developing depression after they are no longer playing, either because of injury or retirement. They need to know they are more than their sport!

3. The pressure we place on young athletes is real. They are practicing for hours, plus regular homework and classes. College athletes have a full time job year round just to play their sport. But it is important to have a life outside of their sport!

2. Young women need sports to support body positivity and leadership. About half of teen girls quit sports by age 14. They need our support. Women who play a sport are more likely to finish school, avoid teen pregnancy and become leaders because they know how to work on a team.

Most public high school teams still have fees to play and don’t supply equipment. My daughter’s high school was a 92% minority school, and very few players could afford equipment. Only one or two could afford to play on a club team.

Only about 7.8% of softball players go on to play at any college level. And here are some things I’ve noticed. 1. Softball is expensive. Bats are $400-500 and break easily. Gloves can be $100-200 and need upkeep. Club/travel dues can be hundreds of $ and don’t include hotel ect

This weekend is my daughter’s last weekend of college softball. Senior day is a bittersweet moment. I would like to share some thoughts from our journey to this day 🥎

When you really love that signature scent.

Who put the catnip banana in a boot?

Click Here to support the Salem College Softball Fundraiser 2025 app.verticalraise.com/fundra…

This is how I look when I am headed on vacation too