As a freshman, I was faced with joining the softball team not knowing what to expect.  I did hear from others that Bishop was a tough coach.  I went in a little frightened, but I was not going to let my nerves get to me.

I started on training with Coach Bishop on off-season.  I started training on November 4. I needed to go to training during the winter since I am a catcher. I had to train for catching twice a week.  I also had to train for hitting twice a week.  I wanted to train to get ahead of many other people so I could hopefully make varsity.  I, even, went to practice sick.

Softball practices started on March 8.  I still worked hard and I was ahead of many people since I went to winter training.  I usually practiced with varsity players and not my friends. I felt out of place but I knew it was for the best.  I kept my head up when I was faced with new challenges, such as playing third and second. I had not played infield positions for a year or so. It took me a little bit too get into the hang of it again, but I did.

All of the work I put into practices paid off.  I made varsity as a freshman.  I am one of two from that made varsity.  The other girl is one of my best friends, Toree Brown.   We do not play as much as the other girls, but we are still part of the team. 

My first game was nerve racking.  I was worried that I would mess up and make us lose the game, but I did not.  I was upset when I missed a few softballs behind the plate.  It was my first inning that I made a few errors. After the first inning, I did just fine.  Coach Bishop was encouraging me the whole time.  I am glad that he gave me the support along with my teammates.

My nerves have finally disappeared a bit, but they are still there. I have worked on boosting my confidence. It has worked a bit.  I have learned so much already, and I am still learning everyday, which is a great thing. I just can’t wait until it is my turn to catch, which might come next year. If I work hard, I could probably be the new catcher since Emalee Griggs is a senior.