Slide Into Summer

Not too many people know Clare gave up softball in the fall of 2013.  She played on a select team when she was 8 years old and had a blast. Well, come July of 2013, she had to move up to 10U and that was a struggle.  The skill level increased and Clare's love of softball went down in the toilet.  She was the youngest girl on her team, the only 3rd grader, new coaches to get use to and then found the game boring. At the time, not a lot of action was in the field and Clare struggled to hit as well.  She was use to her coach pitching and not kid pitch.  Phil and I had her finish her fall season of softball but in November of 2013, she said she didn't want to play softball anymore.  Phil and I didn't like that she was not going to play because she is a good athlete.  We couldn't force her.  So Clare didn't touch softball for 9 months.  We didn't even sign her up for rec softball in town either.  Then early July of 2014, Clare out of the blue said, "When are those softball tryouts?"  Phil and I were like "WHAT!!" It turned out tryouts were the next day.  Phil went to Target to get her a bat that night.  The next morning we bought cleats, a new glove and went to the field for a little practice.  Tryouts were hours away.  After paying the late registration fee, off she went to tryout.  We weren't sure how she would do after not playing for so long.  Weeks had passed and we learned Clare made the Johnston Purple team.  Which is the 2nd best team.  We were ok with that. 

Clare started playing fall ball with her 10U Purple team.  Once again, wonderful coaches, teammates,  parents and Clare's passion for softball started to come out.  Phil and I were pleased with how much she improved in the sport or matured with the game.  The year off, did her good. 

Over the weekend, Clare had the opportunity to play for the Johnston Dragon Gold team in a tournament.  Her former coach from 8U,  Eric, asked us if she was available to play with his team.  We knew Clare would love to play with the team and some of her other friends.   Clare fit in nicely with the team and was a welcomed addition for the weekend.  The girls played in 6 games and about 12 hours of softball.  With great teamwork, positive coaching, heart and soul into the game, the girls pulled off the final win, 2-1 with Ankeny Crush.

Look at those pink trophies!