kaleigh friend 🤍

The end of an era. Thank you softball for the past 18 years- teaching me more than any class ever could. I learned how to be determined even when all odds were against me. How to handle success and failure with grace and humility. Understanding that you can never control the event, but always your response. I learned joy from the Lord is TRULY your strength and how important community is.

From being on top of the world to being told I would never be good enough, I still chose to continue on, and these were and still are the moments that shaped the person I am today.

I cannot thank my family enough for sacrificing every weekend, weeknight, early morning, and anything in between for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without the endless support from my mom, dad, and little brother.

To my teammates, old and new, you have made me realize what it feels like to be a part of something. Growing up, I felt like the odd man out- I didn’t really fit in with the crowd and floated from group to group. When softball and I met, there is where I met my people. There may not be another time where I’m with 20 other strong women, sharing passions, laughs, and emotions, so I am forever grateful. Whether it was 18 years ago or 4 months ago, thank you for being my best friends.

Most importantly, thank you Jesus. The Lord has blessed me with a healthy body and countless opportunities to play the sport I love with my best friends. I tend to look at things throughout my journey, and think “That wasn’t fair”, but if life was fair, I would paying the price for my own sins. Understanding the Lord has been with me every step of the way has given me the most beautiful testimony.

While my softball playing career has come to an end, giving back to the sport that gave me so much is just beginning!

Thank you softball. Thank you Jesus. 🩷