Athletes Unlimited, Athletes Run
Happy weekend!!
I am 3.5 weeks into one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Daily, I am mind blown at what comes our way, whether it’s an energized practice with athletes I would never have played with, a new presentation to help us grow as adults, or the presentation from our Diversity team that allows us to talk openly and candidly about what we’ve experienced over certain topics. I wake up each day knowing I am going to grow a little more from some interaction, and that’s an awe-inspiring feeling. This is truly athlete run, and they’ve thought of everything. Shout out to the Player Executive Committee for all your hard work since the inception of this concept!!
When I was first approached with the idea of Athletes Unlimited last winter by Amanda Chidester, who had heard the presentation while we were on the road with Team USA, I quickly dismissed it with a “Hell No” because my plan was to hang the cleats up in July, and I couldn’t fathom being away from my family for 6 weeks (1 training, 5 playing).
But, as for all of us, 2020 had other plans, and it became apparent that I needed to be part of this new venture to get innings and game experience. Even after hearing the official presentation, I was still hesitant because of my family. I knew with the pandemic, the likelihood they could visit was minimal. I was torn between what I love to do and who I love to live my life with. Thankfully I have an extremely supportive husband, who asked me every day if I had committed to Athletes Unlimited yet, and if I hadn’t what I was waiting for. He was 100% on board, and that helped me to know the 6 weeks might be long, but all would work out.
Boy have I been blown away!! What I didn’t expect is to be having the time of my life on the field. I have always loved playing, loved pitching, but this experience brought out more… more that I didn’t know I had inside. The smiles are genuine. The emotions for everyone else’s success is from the heart. And all the conversations are intentional and being soaked up. I have met and played with so many women, that I would never have crossed paths with. I have learned and heard stories, that open my eyes to who someone is off the field. I also believe I have made some friends that will continue beyond these 6 weeks. These are all things, that I make this so incredible, and I couldn’t have imagined coming to with this experience.
Living in the shield almost makes us savor our time together, on the field or at programs, more. We all are excited to get together, to see each other’s faces, and interact. Personally, I’ve gone out of my comfort zone to have conversations, to stay and hang out well past my bed time, and it’s paid off.
The softball side is great too, but it’s everything else that is making this experience so cool. The silver lining of 2020, is that this provided such an incredible platform for all 56 of us to play on and experience. It’s not over yet, but it’s already exceeded my wildest dreams.
Follow along this week… today on ESPN3, Sunday on ESPN2, and Monday on CBS Sports!
‘Til next time…
#38