04/20/2025
Yesterday was Bâs first tournament with her new teamâand let me just say, it was different.
But in the best kind of way.
Their tournament record wasnât anything to write home about (2-1), but thatâs not what stood out. What mattered most was how the day went.
B didnât have any mistakes in the field all day, but when it came time to pitch her first game with this new teamânew coaches, new players, new expectationsâshe was nervous as all get out. Understandably so.
She walked two in the first inning, and I could see it all over herâshe was bracing for the disappointment. Waiting for the smirk, the silence, the mound visit, the shake of the head. But it never came.
Instead, she worked through it. Got out of the inning.
And then? One of the coaches pulled her asideânot to criticize, but to build her up. Quietly; one-to-one. Blakely told me she essentially said, âWe know youâre nervous. Youâre doing great. We believe in you.â Along with some other constructive feedback.
She settled in a little after that. Went on to finish strong. Got the win. Only allowed 1 hit in the game / 1 earned run. Earned a few strikeouts. Final score: 11â2.
After the last game, during the team meeting, there was no yelling. No punishment, no threats. Just encouragement and constructive feedback. A focus on whatâs next. Accountability without shame.
And get thisâevery Wednesday, the team leads a Bible study during practice.
Sheâs having fun again. Sheâs being built up again. Sheâs being seen for who she is and what sheâs capable of.
Sheâs being shown Christ through her coaches and teammates.
And Iâm here for every bit of it.
**This post isnât meant to criticize our previous organization in any wayâitâs simply an update for those who care about how Blakely is doing. Our decision to move her to a new team was made thoughtfully and with her best interest at heartâand weâre incredibly grateful for the growth, joy, and encouragement sheâs experienced since the change. We will forever be thankful for the time we spent with our last org. It made her who she is today, & built her solid foundation and facilitated her love of softball.