How I Discovered Who I Am by Megan

How I Discovered Who I Am by Megan - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

There isn't a time in my life where I don't remember playing softball. My four year old self

laced up my cleats, and decided to follow in my brother, Adam’s, footsteps. I grew up watching him

play. I dreamed of being like him. Being five and a half years younger than Adam, I always looked up

to him. He has been my biggest supporter, and has always taken care of me. His influence on my life

helped form who I am. Adam placed the love for softball in me, and it has changed my life indefinitely.

Like any game, you must learn the rules. With practice, I mastered the rules and started learning

the fundamentals. From there I got better and better. I learned what it meant to be on a team, how to

work well with others, how to be a leader and I became mentally tough. My coaches have had a strong

impact on shaping the person I am today. Coach Anna taught me how to play the game. Coach Scott

taught me to challenge myself and be the best I can. Coach Watson taught me there is always room for

improvement. Coach Rego taught me the importance of mastering the basics. Coach P taught me what

dedication truly means, and what it means to be a softball player. All of these coaches pushed me to

better myself, and taught me lessons that I will never forget.

Softball became my greatest passion from the time I began playing. I practiced with my brother,

and listened to my coaches. Most importantly, I enjoyed the game. I did not care how good I was, it

was just for fun. Then I started growing up, and I became more competitive. I worked hard, and

nobody could drag me away from that diamond. However, once I got a little older, the game got more

complicated. I sacrificed sleepovers, birthday parties, and play time for softball. At times, I resented

giving up those things, but I knew I couldn't let my team down by leaving. I wanted to play no matter

the cost.

Then came high school softball. My freshman year I made the frosh team. One year of hard

work, and a lot of time given up, payed off, when I made the Varsity team as a sophomore. Part way

into season, I injured myself. All of the running managed to give me tendonitis in the bottom of my

right foot, and I became partially flat footed. Due to this, I was out for three weeks. During that time, I

could not even practice. It was then that I realized how much softball meant to me. Physical therapy

brought me back, and eventually I was up and running again—quite literally. Being back meant the

world to me, and I couldn't wait to keep it playing. I haven't stopped since. This was also a critical

point in my life, because I decided I wanted to become a Physical Therapist.

Now it is my senior year, and I am about to say goodbye to my first love—softball. An old

chapter in my life must close before the new one may open. Although I am saddened about leaving

softball behind, I will always be left with the great memories and lessons I have learned. Even though

this will be my last year playing, softball will always be a major part of my life. I want to pass on my

joy to the game to other girls, and show them the fun behind it all. I am very grateful for the

experiences and opportunities I have had, and will never forget what I have been taught. It may seem

like my days are numbered, but once a softball player, always a softball player.