Why Youth Softball Is About More Than Just Winning | Building Confident Girls

Jun 9

Jun 9 BATTER UP

I am overjoyed with the fact that Waylin loves to play softball. I played throughout the majority of my life, even into my late twenties. In fact, I stopped the season after I got engaged to Ben because…I play hard. I have permanent scars from sliding into bases and making plays. :D

I could go on and on about how great softball is for girls, but I’ll condense that here because that’s not the purpose of this post. While it definitely builds confidence and self-esteem, the most memorable aspects of playing softball has always been the memories and friendships that develop throughout the course of belonging to a team.

This year, I decided to jump out of my comfort zone and become a coach. I became a board member for our league and decided why not help out coaching as I can do my best to bring something special to the program. Waylin was super excited that her mom is one of her coaches! I’ve never done anything like this before, but I loved every single one of the girls so much!

One thing about me is that I value relationship building + creating memories. It was important to me as a coach to create memories that these girls will carry forward with them. I did what I could to foster that and encourage them to be kind and supportive teammates.

If you think about it, these are the girls who may one day step onto a high school softball field. Not every one of them will choose that path and that's okay! The goal of youth sports isn't simply to develop future varsity athletes…it's to help shape confident, resilient girls that find what they love. As youth coaches, we have the opportunity to teach the fundamentals of the game while also helping girls learn how to work as a team, overcome challenges, support one another, and believe in themselves. The habits, confidence, and love for the game they build now will stay with them, whether they continue playing through high school, pick up another sport, or carry those lessons into other parts of life. You're not just coaching the player they are today. You're helping shape the person they'll become tomorrow. ❤️

I need to make a post about all the fun things I did to make their games a little more special. This is my reminder to myself to do that!

Waylin played a great season! She found that she really loved a variety of positions, but i think she shined the most at second base. One game, she got three outs in a row! It was AMAZING!

During the games, I never came off the field once the games started. I really enjoyed being the first base coach when we were up to bat because it gave me an opportunity to cheer and encourage every single one of the girls. I made it a thing to always give high fives and say something positive to them. They really enjoyed that “ritual” we started together. And when we were in the field, I took the right field coaching spot to help all the girls know where to stand in their positions, what the play was, and encourage them throughout the inning. I have to say, sometimes I felt like I was one of them rather than a coach! Just loving every moment of being in their company!

I took a chance and volunteered to coach Waylin’s team, and I am so glad I did! I’ve always been an involved parent, but never to the point of stepping out onto the field and coaching. I have to say: it has been one of my greatest yeses!

Not only are these girls great softball players, but what’s even better is who they are as people. They have big hearts. They are so kind. They cheer each other on. And they are confident in who they are becoming.

At the end of our last game, I got SO MANY hugs and thank yous. I hope they know how special they made me feel all season long!

All I ever want for girls is for them to feel amazing, to be proud of themselves, and to know they can do anything they set their minds to. The way they learn to believe in themselves will stay with them long after the season ends.

I am so proud of this group of girls and will forever cheer for them!