Respect.

Over time, we will respect someone that we do not particularly like, but tolerance of that person allows for your own personal growth as a person. It teaches you who not to be like and tolerate those that are like that in the future.

Over the years many have found it impossible to respect let alone appreciate a particular person in the spring. It has come to my attention that respect is not easily gained. Yes, I know there are people that respect me and I respect a whole lot of people as well. I most definitely never had respect for this lady. She made my life a living hell or so I thought. In fact, she has made everyone's lives a living hell according to them. Truth of the matter is, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. She can make comments all she wants about the way you do things, but only you can let it affect you. No one wants to see her next year, no one wants to play for her next year. Today I got the, "you are so lucky you are a senior". I guess I am lucky in their eyes. I don't consider it lucky, because I want to be there when they win next year. Yea practice wasn't always enjoyable nor did we really learn anything but in a way, it's helped me grow as a softball player. This season I have learned just to take in everything being said to me, and just continue to do what I do, proving those that think I can't wrong. I also learned to respect her. Not out of fear, or finally liking her, but because even though she never taught me a single thing, her ways taught me to teach myself, be proud of myself and I learned that I am not going to always get praised when I do well. I know when I do well and whether or not she notices does not matter. I've learned to respect her because no matter what, she is the coach and there is nothing I can change about that. To keep dwelling on it this late in the season will not only make practice worse, but less enjoyable, the minute I started to have a respect for her, is the minute when softball became more enjoyable. I give my 110% like she asks, I work hard, and I play harder. Like another coach once told me and the rest of the team, "Remember this is your game, not hers, you make the calls and you don't let anyone else take control of your attitudes." It's true. What is the point in dwelling on the fact that she doesn't correct us when we do something wrong or show us how to do the things she asks? There isnt. Today is when I realized that I just have to do what she asks and hope for the best. Today I learned to have fun again. Today was the day I was noticed by the coaches as being at the peak of my season. Today is the day where I realized that I had respect for someone I never thought possible. She is not my friend, she is not even someone I really like talking to, but she has earned my respect for her. I just wish that the rest of the girls would see that the more they make comments about our situation or how they don't want her here next year, the less and less enjoyable their passion will be for the sport they have loved for so many years. I have hated softball since sophomore year, and finally I am enjoying it once again. Yea, it may have taken all season but I am glad it did, had I quit when I said I was, I would have never gotten to experience all the fun I have had with my young girls on the team. I will cherish every moment they made me laugh and times we spent together. I wouldn't take them back for anything.

Respect is by far one of the greatest things you can give to a person, whether they know they have it or not.