After playing softball my entire life, competing in college was the next step to take. Being recruited was exciting...being awarded an athletic scholarship was huge...my final four years were incredible. Now, at 25, I find that there are times when I downplay the opportunity I had to participate in an NCAA sport. I forget the hard work, the smiles and tears, the determination and perserverance that got me to that point in the first place. I take for granted the fact that those efforts play an integral part of who I am today.
In a family of multiple student-athletes, it's easy to forget that very few people can claim that they are or were an intercollegiate student-athlete. It's as if it becomes an assumed part of life. Thinking back over the three years that I've been in the workforce and the hundreds of times I've had to introduce myself and include a unique fact, the amount of times that I've met a fellow student-athlete as a result is ONE. For those of us who have been surrounded by student-athletes for years, it is a normal part of life; but to others who have taken different paths, it is an impressive acheivement.
My point is that an experience as a collegiate athlete is an honor easily lost in the trials and tribulations of life and an accomplishment that will be a significant part of life forever. Sometimes I need a reminder. When I watch Kylie play and see where I've been, I am reminded. When I watch Camille play and see where she's going, I am reminded. I'm proud of myself and proud of my sisters for all we've achieved. When we went to watch Brandon Relf play baseball against San Diego State, I was reminded. Despite the lack of contact I've had with Brandon, I was excited and proud to see him out there.
Here are some pictures from our day at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Yes, I resembled the paparazzi. :)
I hope that we never forget how lucky we are and always take advantage of the opportunities presented to us...
