tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69851894540263748582024-03-05T01:50:53.764-08:00Dirt From The Infield Documenting my journey of becoming the student-athlete you dream of coaching! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-70356852109231637272015-04-29T14:59:00.001-07:002015-04-29T15:00:11.613-07:00Love Of Softball <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago my friend @MorganSmith_27 inspired me to chase down a softball coaching opportunity that I wanted. I sent an email right away to our Little League and after overcoming some obstacles (under 18) they finally made an exception. Now I'm the Jr. Coach of SWAT, Softball With Attitude Team. The girls are eleven and twelve years old, they are eager to learn and as you can tell by this picture they have fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely love working with these girls to teach them the fundamentals, how to be aggressive players and hopefully I'm inspiring them to love the game! I expected coaching would be all about them . . . boy was I wrong! I'm learning more about myself and I really love spending time with these girls! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is so rewarding when a player makes progress, executes on a new play or even something as small as the basics of how to properly throw a ball. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My heart is fuller and my love for softball continues to grow!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-38678473003753381982015-03-17T16:43:00.000-07:002015-03-17T16:43:33.630-07:0010 Commandments of Social Media For Student-Athletes <span style="font-size: large;">Social media can be a lot of fun but as a student athlete there are </span><span style="font-size: large;">rules that we need to live by. Breaking these rules can cost you a scholarship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My parents always preach that before I post anything on social media it has to pass this test; would God, my parents and coaches approve? If not do not post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sad for me to say, but I know two girls who have lost scholarships because of social media. But follow these social media rules you will have nothing to worry about.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">10 Social Media Commandments For Student Athletes</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Never be in a red solo cup or party pictures. You may be drinking water but Coaches will think the worse and it can cost you a scholarship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Treat others how you would like to be treated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Stay positive and upbeat. Nobody wants to be around negative people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Follow Coaches and tweet them it will help you get on their radar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Surround yourself with positive people, who share your goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Be a leader and try inspire other athletes to work harder and go after their goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Save the swear words for truck drivers not twitter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Do stalk the schools, coaches and teams that you are interested in to learn more about them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. Limit selfies. You may be beautiful but narcissistic is ugly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. Be inspired and learn the ropes from college players, coaches, trainers and pro's.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-91236440899084153302014-12-23T15:24:00.003-08:002014-12-23T15:24:36.922-08:00Gratitude <span style="font-size: large;">This is the season for reflection, so I started thinking about this year and all of my blessings. Thank you to everyone in my life, all of you play a special role and for that I'm so grateful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of you push me to work harder, study longer, guide me to </span><span style="font-size: large;">make good decisions, make me laugh, boost my confidence, be more compassionate and forgiving </span><span style="font-size: large;">but all of you help me to become a better person! </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTnXbziOfUgfaCpQ2ocSj3B5KfKk8IWjLIhUswiYBb5-1NHmV35hXRX-QvbkzY0Smp58T0VNRwDxOws12JyDXjpP2X6KDojf3UC83OlQmM_HhLhXWceW0-lD3CAMv8TdQHMJVIiKa264/s1600/Gratitude+Blog.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTnXbziOfUgfaCpQ2ocSj3B5KfKk8IWjLIhUswiYBb5-1NHmV35hXRX-QvbkzY0Smp58T0VNRwDxOws12JyDXjpP2X6KDojf3UC83OlQmM_HhLhXWceW0-lD3CAMv8TdQHMJVIiKa264/s1600/Gratitude+Blog.PNG" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-43606979187502724282014-08-08T12:45:00.005-07:002014-08-29T18:24:08.907-07:00September 1st . . . Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock!<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> "Be The Student-Athlete Coaches Dream Of"</span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-Dvwn8WMx0QfZtFkCOWF1O0xTksbwtFtkpqQKNEBEUAeCBEi7wb-e9-ctWR1LjGvTBdO0fMA2J-qhN2TSy3GoS_rZCDStV0W_t7wsYcZuuia1qKn9eWvtvzK48x-iGggFj-JLh3wESQ/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-Dvwn8WMx0QfZtFkCOWF1O0xTksbwtFtkpqQKNEBEUAeCBEi7wb-e9-ctWR1LjGvTBdO0fMA2J-qhN2TSy3GoS_rZCDStV0W_t7wsYcZuuia1qKn9eWvtvzK48x-iGggFj-JLh3wESQ/s1600/photo-8.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As long as I can remember, I wanted to play college </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">softball. Two years ago I sat </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">down and wrote my </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">own mission statement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My mission statement keeps me focused on my goals. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm not an All American athlete and I do not have a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4.5 GPA but I'm 100% of the following . . . </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Compassionate Christian</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love, Love, Love Softball </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Always a Team Player</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ability To Play Multiple Positions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Self Driven & Hard Worker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Respectful and Humble</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">National Honor Society Member</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Special Olympics Coach and Mentor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I Know Who I'am & What I Want In Life </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fun and Easy Going </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm not sure what to expect on September 1st. But I hope you call </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">480-639-9238</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-54568314694420611862014-05-28T11:35:00.000-07:002014-05-28T11:35:10.200-07:00 Softball Recruiting Advice You Need To Know!<span style="font-size: large;">Lately I have been getting some great advice that I want to share with you. If you are like me, the recruiting process is confusing. Shout out to Jeff</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Conrad </span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/SoftballConnect" style="font-size: x-large;">@SoftballConnects</a><span style="font-size: large;"> and Ashley Muenz for their help. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSK7kXyptG71yNWJPqxf5Puha-VWoc7ix-uml0xMsd0hOzmP0uo4oal3h_8_g9zHXSBYZ9gsOVaHCey3Ci9km5PyPe90m-2BmRcqa40NZPZp3lMzmvAnpwsb8jryDs-dby3PMNPol6E4/s1600/Blog+Image.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSK7kXyptG71yNWJPqxf5Puha-VWoc7ix-uml0xMsd0hOzmP0uo4oal3h_8_g9zHXSBYZ9gsOVaHCey3Ci9km5PyPe90m-2BmRcqa40NZPZp3lMzmvAnpwsb8jryDs-dby3PMNPol6E4/s1600/Blog+Image.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This past weekend I bet you watched your favorite teams with star-stuck eyes. We all have dreams that one day that will be "me" on the field, fighting for the title! Maybe you are good enough to play top tier D1 ball . . . but is it the right thing for you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of this advice and heart to heart talks with my coaches made my head spin! We have a lot of really important decisions to make. Below are a bunch of questions that you need to consider when choosing the schools you want to target.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Here are the questions you need to ask yourself. . . Be honest!</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Would you be successful at a huge University? (40,000 students)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Would you be more successful at a smaller University?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do your targeted schools offer the degree/programs you want?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is more important to you, playing ball or education?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How far/close do you want to be from family?</span><br />
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Can your parents afford extra costs beyond scholarship awards?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you good enough to play at the schools you are targeting?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you the type of player that is okay not being a starter?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is the crime rate in the city of the schools you are targeting?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you live in extreme heat or extreme cold? consider weather</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How does your targeted schools rank</span><span style="font-size: large;"> in their conference?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you want to be on a extremely competitive team? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please add any questions or ideas that I missed.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-44730335069755823402014-05-04T12:13:00.002-07:002014-07-13T18:50:39.063-07:00Road Maps, Breaking Bad And Faith<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What do successful athletes have in common? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not literal road maps . . . but <i>mental maps.</i> Successful athletes map out their route to success, and more importantly they stay the course no matter what!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure pro's have really sophisticated mental maps. Here is the mental map that I wrote last July it is simple and straight forward. Some people might laugh at this but I don't care. I have followed this map all year, and because of it I'm closer to reaching my goals. I read this at least once a week. I continue to make the right choices that will insure that I get to where I want to go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkDH0ISURwa9NuAhCgs5Z2GdngD-qHUoIVbum-tNMWgLw51P7in_ewCTnnDvHihe0X92yC6XyVu5pSTS0GLD7N4dSMv3WbXhgx1uOIHSDbNOrud6i1QEdsdFZYNZkUHE_bPooC-FlxnE/s1600/Mind+Map.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkDH0ISURwa9NuAhCgs5Z2GdngD-qHUoIVbum-tNMWgLw51P7in_ewCTnnDvHihe0X92yC6XyVu5pSTS0GLD7N4dSMv3WbXhgx1uOIHSDbNOrud6i1QEdsdFZYNZkUHE_bPooC-FlxnE/s1600/Mind+Map.PNG" height="320" width="261" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What separates</span><span style="font-size: large;"> great athletes from good athletes? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif417knZfIJOT9N-vEk6LdkY8iCdSx8u9vPvHd2cQnmckRA5qL3maNbMHKpShmyme4b6FtbOtwhk0OUCyMiP4TlyNWNNL1fuHEN5bI3yuLvwTdCKaUgNL8_gZJVmmrxdFSZJmr4oulGcE/s1600/BRIAN+DAVIS.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif417knZfIJOT9N-vEk6LdkY8iCdSx8u9vPvHd2cQnmckRA5qL3maNbMHKpShmyme4b6FtbOtwhk0OUCyMiP4TlyNWNNL1fuHEN5bI3yuLvwTdCKaUgNL8_gZJVmmrxdFSZJmr4oulGcE/s1600/BRIAN+DAVIS.PNG" height="320" width="259" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Great athlete break bad habits!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is expected that athletes train a lot. However most athletes just go through the motions. without taking a step back to be honest and really assess themselves. If you cannot do this alone (which is tough to do) ask your coaches what areas you need to work on, and start setting short-term goals to get better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Great athletes own their flaws</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and weaknesses they are determined to improve. This year I needed to improve my speed (among other things) I have been weight training so I will have stronger legs. I have a speed coach and strength coach that I work with four days a week, and I push myself to do sprints on my off days. Guess what? I'm faster and I will continue to get faster.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnUoBzXXn3yXEqU0SCc1ScPNGVhgaLnDzC_9Gs3BHzTse6FckyPe7FQKYcsPd0dRHpynW2OmOGzFL6xlKCxt82DXirGmeFW3E-SeudqFfEgEmmeyiDof2ximPBaVmn-K1pX4RXlnQWXQ/s1600/Faith.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnUoBzXXn3yXEqU0SCc1ScPNGVhgaLnDzC_9Gs3BHzTse6FckyPe7FQKYcsPd0dRHpynW2OmOGzFL6xlKCxt82DXirGmeFW3E-SeudqFfEgEmmeyiDof2ximPBaVmn-K1pX4RXlnQWXQ/s1600/Faith.PNG" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To me faith is everything! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not going to get all preachy on you because everyone is different. . . however I do have an unbreakable faith in God, and that relationship continues to grow the faith that I have in myself. I know that through God all things are possible. When I walk in faith I can accomplish everything I put my mind too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All great athletes do not have strong religious faith but this one does!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#WorkInProgress </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-88019787781218560312014-03-24T12:40:00.001-07:002014-04-02T11:29:40.676-07:00Random Rants From 3rd Base It has been awhile since my last blog post . . . between homework, studying, practice, games and trying to have a personal life I tend to get a little busy and then of course I struggle with what to write about.<br />
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Don't let my sweet smile fool you, I'm one lean, mean, softball machine. Today I'm gonna share what </div>
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is going through my mind when I'm playing . . . cuz why not!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_MVvmvC2PXUNeymMqAEIA7BzgiYGYpP1637vXI33Nm_Qb15gMn6YJysoEgAPOsvMfsUcOFUSX_zqT0SuK0Xpxl6fTtcGtqlKv08tNbU6wMdDpzih-i8tFkHasWMu261FlGsqFwSG4-0/s1600/IMG_8580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_MVvmvC2PXUNeymMqAEIA7BzgiYGYpP1637vXI33Nm_Qb15gMn6YJysoEgAPOsvMfsUcOFUSX_zqT0SuK0Xpxl6fTtcGtqlKv08tNbU6wMdDpzih-i8tFkHasWMu261FlGsqFwSG4-0/s1600/IMG_8580.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm warning you that I do not have a PG brain when I'm playing ball, I'm on the field to win . . . so you can bet that in my head I'm "talking trash" I'm loving it when I tag you out, or when I run pass the base you are supposed to be protecting and when I send you back to the dugout with your head hung low! You better believe that it is personal. . .we are not petting kittens or coloring rainbows we are playing softball sometimes it gets shitty and that is just how it is, and at the end of the day I'm not here to make friends I'm hear to win!</div>
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"I dare you to play the short game . . . it will be your quickest way back to the dugout"</div>
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"Thank you Kobata . . . she will NEVER get that extra step again"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti3HExrtm6MM1WFZs48rF5bo0f-zR2-Z5wxzz7mhhMWjaBwGi-etndlgqTKsxpIssXcLOVl2EB8UuqDdAjZ_-u-mi1krcVAYk3bPCGdasP6DmB2qS-QcjFwwknowW9XErlAeufuiAbLQ/s1600/IMG_7874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti3HExrtm6MM1WFZs48rF5bo0f-zR2-Z5wxzz7mhhMWjaBwGi-etndlgqTKsxpIssXcLOVl2EB8UuqDdAjZ_-u-mi1krcVAYk3bPCGdasP6DmB2qS-QcjFwwknowW9XErlAeufuiAbLQ/s1600/IMG_7874.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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"My Friday nights at the cage are about to pay off you better back the eff up!"</div>
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"Whatever you got . . . I'm crushing it as hard as I can, right at you" </div>
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Girls are expected to be sweet and nice. I know what I'm thinking on the field is not socially acceptable but this is who I am, it's how I'm wired. I play with a lot of passion and I personally believe it's what makes me a better player. </div>
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Don't confuse my mental toughness with poor sportsmanship - I will be the first one to admit if someone out played me or congratulate the winning team! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-2059193306386943472013-10-29T09:36:00.003-07:002013-10-29T09:37:26.012-07:00It's A Long Road . . .Keep Your Eyes On The Prize<span style="font-size: large;">To be honest I've had writers block for the past couple of </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">weeks. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I want to write about stuff that </span><span style="font-size: large;">you can relate to. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Their </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">are 1000's of you, just like me who are working t</span><span style="font-size: large;">o earn </span><span style="font-size: large;">your </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">college dream. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's a long road, so how do you </span><span style="font-size: large;">keep </span><span style="font-size: large;">your </span><span style="font-size: large;">eyes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">on the prize and your passion burning strong?</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJcA0B-Iu6SjvMOFPNs6ZPrjXfDESrmKPUE8MaK3a2Kx04pOC69zPYqK909fHKGPfcVmR2cmulPCnZlcGdApcl0LocNeKtdZaggQpBok43p56tAPbTF18SMdN_fauK6ErFZcIZncm3NY/s1600/0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJcA0B-Iu6SjvMOFPNs6ZPrjXfDESrmKPUE8MaK3a2Kx04pOC69zPYqK909fHKGPfcVmR2cmulPCnZlcGdApcl0LocNeKtdZaggQpBok43p56tAPbTF18SMdN_fauK6ErFZcIZncm3NY/s1600/0.jpeg" height="198" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJcA0B-Iu6SjvMOFPNs6ZPrjXfDESrmKPUE8MaK3a2Kx04pOC69zPYqK909fHKGPfcVmR2cmulPCnZlcGdApcl0LocNeKtdZaggQpBok43p56tAPbTF18SMdN_fauK6ErFZcIZncm3NY/s1600/0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJcA0B-Iu6SjvMOFPNs6ZPrjXfDESrmKPUE8MaK3a2Kx04pOC69zPYqK909fHKGPfcVmR2cmulPCnZlcGdApcl0LocNeKtdZaggQpBok43p56tAPbTF18SMdN_fauK6ErFZcIZncm3NY/s1600/0.jpeg" height="198" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keeping your eyes on the prize can be tough when you </span><span style="font-size: large;">are </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">chasing down a long term goal. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It is easy to get off </span><span style="font-size: large;">track, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">loose your passion, change your mind or worst </span><span style="font-size: large;">case give up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Top 10 Ways To Reach Your Long Term Goals</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Write your goal down and put it everywhere</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Believe it, live it, chase it down, own it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 3. Surround yourself with others who share your goal</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 4. Talk about your goals with family and friends</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 5. Keep a log or a personal journal</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 6. Think short term - today, this week, next game</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 7. Avoid burnout - have fun and take breaks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 8. Always expect more from yourself </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 9. Don't be too proud - ask for help</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. Inspire others</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>You Can Never Have Enough Friends</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hit me up on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/AZSoftballChick">@AzSoftballChick</a> - I'm always down</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with new friends, we can support each other for the long haul!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">This summer I wanted to
find a charity or an organization that </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">I emotionally connected with and could commit long term to help
make a difference. I looked into a lot of different options but in
the end I was really drawn to the Special Olympics.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">I decided to pursue becoming a Special Olympics coach.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">This past weekend I was
blessed to be part of an amazing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">experience at the Special Olympic Athletic
Leadership Program.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">There was so many amazing athletes and other mentors. I
learned </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">a lot about what it takes to be a mentor/coach a friend and a lot about
myself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvz5_nvVCQuD6ZIFWtAtFa41uD41ueO-f9wF1_GAx9pD3PcaAcIMOM7ttIgTkoelIifkehckMnV-nMO2LXXJCBCkuTvy3bzf3swF1G5ymeOLGVJz1JYu3LG3Wl14HRp3Adv4ZP5GA5I0/s1600/Ryan1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvz5_nvVCQuD6ZIFWtAtFa41uD41ueO-f9wF1_GAx9pD3PcaAcIMOM7ttIgTkoelIifkehckMnV-nMO2LXXJCBCkuTvy3bzf3swF1G5ymeOLGVJz1JYu3LG3Wl14HRp3Adv4ZP5GA5I0/s1600/Ryan1.tiff" height="320" width="194" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">I was partnered with a
boy named Ryan who plays competitive baseball, is a swimmer, loves pigs and <strike>is</strike> was </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">painfully shy. It took some time for Ryan to open up to me but by the end of
the weekend we became great friends. As you can see Ryan loves to mess around!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">The ALP training was
awesome; I learned how to effectively communicate with special needs athletes,
coach and officiate Special Olympic athletes. The best part was that I made
friends </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">and connected with people that I normally never would have </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">before and
I’m a better person because of them and because of </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">the experience.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E_3MNtYwpyb2-MD_nwO21VD0PJKN_FqZt6vF8Fug-HiRyC7IDJ71mTG5fmtHEEJfEM6WFYukGTxMnF7VnCfprieqQpnlM-Q4iT8ewQHNo7M1ZXCDzexg82zy7IdrrhygPtioE7hXQPo/s1600/SO.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E_3MNtYwpyb2-MD_nwO21VD0PJKN_FqZt6vF8Fug-HiRyC7IDJ71mTG5fmtHEEJfEM6WFYukGTxMnF7VnCfprieqQpnlM-Q4iT8ewQHNo7M1ZXCDzexg82zy7IdrrhygPtioE7hXQPo/s1600/SO.tiff" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">I’m excited about my future
as a Special Olympics coach. I already committed to help coach a softball team
and volunteer at the All Star Softball Tournament in October. I’m super excited to put my training to use
and work with athletes.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">The theme of the weekend
was “Make Your Mark” how you are going to inspire others? What will you do to improve the quality of someone else's life?</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">Those of us that are
blessed to not have any physical or mental limitations do not know the
challenges, obstacle and emotional hardships a challenged person deals with on
a daily basis. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">The next time you see
someone who has a special need say hello, heck why not hug
him/her or give’em a high five.They are just like you, they are hoping for
approval and friendship.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-19745457689286875162013-06-21T11:22:00.002-07:002013-06-21T11:22:34.150-07:00Katie Reid Coming To A Showcase Near You - Ohh Yeah It's On!<span style="font-size: large;">This summer my team is playing in Showcases all over the Country. Chances are I will be playing in at least one showcase that you will be attending.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp35RRlduc2ig5swMJKe7IxA7pYyZfcf_onlH7hBSNuy81GgRjHnib7M7OqTxsbe0TLeBxt4J4LKZ5csAP7cRSckvG8_I64E_FyXTxLh4IUqrLmt3curzxL7yfn21Izz7kAzkx2Vs0xNA/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp35RRlduc2ig5swMJKe7IxA7pYyZfcf_onlH7hBSNuy81GgRjHnib7M7OqTxsbe0TLeBxt4J4LKZ5csAP7cRSckvG8_I64E_FyXTxLh4IUqrLmt3curzxL7yfn21Izz7kAzkx2Vs0xNA/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We just returned from Pensberry, which was my first major showcase. We had a blast playing some great softball; I hit a home run (crushed it CF) and made countless put outs playing at both 2nd and 3rd.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm constantly working to improve</span><span style="font-size: large;"> my batting, fielding mechanics, speed an my mental strength. The one thing that I do not need to work on is my passion for softball and, my determination to be the best player that I can possible become.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Keith Householder and Ashley Muenz are my Coaches, they are passionate about developing student-athletes for college and pairing the athlete (that's me) with a college, that is a good fit for both. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Keith is kind of a big deal in the softball world. Chances are you already have Keith's number on speed dial but just </span><span style="font-size: large;">in case (602) 332-4144 Please give Keith a call to learn more about Katie Reid.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">June 14th-16th Pensberry Showcase</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">July 4th - July 8th Champions Cup Irvine, Texas</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">July 11th -July 14th Demarini Showcase, Illinois</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-68678897552990686022013-04-02T19:02:00.001-07:002013-04-07T10:49:02.684-07:00Against the Odds with Die-Hard Dedication<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Becoming an NCAA athlete is not something you just </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">hope for. The odds are stacked against you. D1 colleges </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">can </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">only award 12 scholarships per year, and chances </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">are </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the upper class-men are benefiting from many of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">those scholarship, and only 2% of ALL high school </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">athletes </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">will go onto play college sports.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">YUP . . . the odds are definitely not in my favor but I have faith in me. I will hurdle every possible obstacle. This is my life and I will work my ass off to make my goals, my reality.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFdGqbj5uEMOI1jAVCxtbUqvsL9AWJml0DARncmPL28sadQ6DNRF_SLJ6TWG04WUt0ir2qJxL31XBULbFgVkJ0ldEX0hbocFIcpR9y4jEEy6uTc4zotuCpjjAG5QQrzW_UL670nQCrD4/s1600/Math.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFdGqbj5uEMOI1jAVCxtbUqvsL9AWJml0DARncmPL28sadQ6DNRF_SLJ6TWG04WUt0ir2qJxL31XBULbFgVkJ0ldEX0hbocFIcpR9y4jEEy6uTc4zotuCpjjAG5QQrzW_UL670nQCrD4/s1600/Math.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Academic Hurdles</u></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The stronger your GPA and the higher your SAT/ACT scores, the more college choices you will have. I'm a fairly decent student but I struggle in math. I have to work harder, to earn a higher GPA. This is Jared my math tutor, we meet twice a week, so that I'm always test ready. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikBvHBcf_BT9Y41YNH-j0XCM7LiaP9AjoyjOwgCAJzzIBvlMeHJvDTn8cr-qvDJXQ6aPFA_iIaSgPbJ0aM17c3HXiN7jn_qhAdUVTo57NGeeceburKu80_7tj1oeCjOpPcS2D9U8W5bM/s1600/Brian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikBvHBcf_BT9Y41YNH-j0XCM7LiaP9AjoyjOwgCAJzzIBvlMeHJvDTn8cr-qvDJXQ6aPFA_iIaSgPbJ0aM17c3HXiN7jn_qhAdUVTo57NGeeceburKu80_7tj1oeCjOpPcS2D9U8W5bM/s1600/Brian.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Speed Hurdle </u></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speed is a critical element to softball. I'm so lucky that my speed and agility trainer is Brian Davis, former NFL player, and one the fastest defensive corners of his time. Brian trains a lot of professional athletes . Every training session I'm pushed WAY beyond my comfort zone. Not only is my speed and agility improving, but I'm also becoming mentally strength, as an athlete.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKrcSeuyaUtarL6GsZKNVl4_5qd-UZw6JgAZ2U9uhFIPfcuWcDhjrFbciVhP8DAiK38_lgaMYKtkd6wqteQFjn-nn2KNpNgvwTg66mZfCVsIC0uMVjXaSPCDpM2jhtsC-skjYbPi_W8Y/s1600/Field-Ash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKrcSeuyaUtarL6GsZKNVl4_5qd-UZw6JgAZ2U9uhFIPfcuWcDhjrFbciVhP8DAiK38_lgaMYKtkd6wqteQFjn-nn2KNpNgvwTg66mZfCVsIC0uMVjXaSPCDpM2jhtsC-skjYbPi_W8Y/s1600/Field-Ash.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Fielding Hurdle </u></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I dedicate a lot of time working on my fielding fundamentals. My club coach, Ashley Muenz is a former ASU Sun Devil and National champion. Most girls spend most of their time on their offensive skills, and neglect working on the defensive game. My fielding skills may be my best asset. I know how valuable a dependable infielder is to a team.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jfP34sMxAv7vVkl3rIvaHa-BaRCx8yfDW2Gd2dNC0kNpV2TtWfvkD8et50zZJkG4A9hyjk1uMMpKCpjZzxIYxowPx6cZ1c85XOVUWQ-f6iIRoqto0ies7Ufkk8d-B9TKvj0oKI5WEt0/s1600/Cage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jfP34sMxAv7vVkl3rIvaHa-BaRCx8yfDW2Gd2dNC0kNpV2TtWfvkD8et50zZJkG4A9hyjk1uMMpKCpjZzxIYxowPx6cZ1c85XOVUWQ-f6iIRoqto0ies7Ufkk8d-B9TKvj0oKI5WEt0/s1600/Cage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Batting Hurdle</u></b> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last fall I struggled with being a consistent batter. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My average was okay, but "okay" is not gonna get me </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in a starting line up ,at a D1 college. I'm proud to report, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm crushing the ball every game. When I'm not practicing </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">on the fields, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I work in the cage. I knew all of the power </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">had </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to come </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">from my lower half, I just did not know what that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">felt like, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do now. My batting average for high school season </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">is 550+</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZwwq5yfpTa0g_07uGoHTJB-A3xx2YFTdf3Z3fesSRnSPJ-Y8P8ZZAr0t2-QjaEsqWO6eEnJmiku5NoMkWb-1rvm0-SnVYR0x7Wq4UlpUaRSPYFNa4gbQkSBJj4tIe-kExD1K4-aaTGo/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZwwq5yfpTa0g_07uGoHTJB-A3xx2YFTdf3Z3fesSRnSPJ-Y8P8ZZAr0t2-QjaEsqWO6eEnJmiku5NoMkWb-1rvm0-SnVYR0x7Wq4UlpUaRSPYFNa4gbQkSBJj4tIe-kExD1K4-aaTGo/s1600/Me.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Myself Hurdle</u></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started my blog to separate myself from the 1000's of other athletes, who are </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">also trying to impress college coaches. I did not expect to learn so much about </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">myself </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">along the way. I just came to the realization that while I'm chasing my D1 goals, I have a blessed life, I know what I want for my life, and I'm proud of the person I'm </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">becoming.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-59754210193682194522013-02-27T08:03:00.000-08:002013-02-27T08:11:31.153-08:00We Need Your Hearts & Thumbs 24 Hr Tweet A Thon <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Mom reconnected with her college friend, Jennifer after 14 years. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jennifer may have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">changed </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">my life forever! I'm sure, I looked like a deer in headlights, as Jen shared </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the graphic story of her </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">battle </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> drug addiction, how the grace of God saved her from addiction </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and her passion to break </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cycle of poverty for the women and children of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Arusha, Tanzania. T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">here are 1000's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of children living in the streets, these kids are homeless. Single </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">parent homes are the norm because of rampant HIV/Aids, rape and physical abuse.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>I'm 14 . . . I CHOOSE TO BE THE CHANGE!</u></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>My 10 Bucks Makes A Differences!</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">More important then my ten bucks is my commitment TO BE THE CHANGE! I have a voice and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">if your listening, hopefully you are moved to help. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please share this story with others, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">if </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you can </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">make </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a donation great, every bit helps. This video is amazing I have watched it again & again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">SHINING A LIGHT </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">24 Hour Tweet & Facebook-A-Thon </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Monday, March 4th starts 7am - Monday, March 5th ends 7am </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every tweet, every like of our facebook page, every donation and every pair of sandals sold increases the awareness of Shining a Light and helps the women and their families who are in our "Women to Work" program. B</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">e the change, we can help break the cycle of poverty by offering a hand up. </span><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Here is How You Can Help</span></u></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like & Share our (links are in white)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shining-a-Light/172259789483022?fref=ts">Shining a Light Facebook Page</a> ask your facebook friends to help </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">spread awareness and promote our 24 Hour Twitter & Facebook-A-Thon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow . . . Copy & Paste These Tweets on March 4th & March 5th</span></u></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATbyMexFaoTT1ecqcQ1syyQZyIZiaPm1dS9h58xr0KgnqkSg0NIGnaXCdcByauFkftbDiy8awlt_2UJ0M1Q16lmYCvgJWtecAZxYpDv8ew98EbqKRiHNAniaEmIVRJxS4oaxRTKxNG70/s1600/image017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATbyMexFaoTT1ecqcQ1syyQZyIZiaPm1dS9h58xr0KgnqkSg0NIGnaXCdcByauFkftbDiy8awlt_2UJ0M1Q16lmYCvgJWtecAZxYpDv8ew98EbqKRiHNAniaEmIVRJxS4oaxRTKxNG70/s1600/image017.jpg" /></a></div>
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Follow us <a href="https://twitter.com/ShiningaLightTZ">@ShiningaLightTZ</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">24 Hr Tweetathon $10 Changes Lives of Women & Kids </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ShiningaLightTZ">Donate Today</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> #ShiningaLight Please RT </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">24 Hr Tweetathon Buy A Pair of <a href="http://www.shiningalight.org/sandals/">Sandals With A Soul</a> A Hand Up #ShiningaLight Please RT</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">24 Hr Tweetathon Every Dollar Helps <a href="http://www.shiningalight.org/donations/">Be The Change</a> Empower Women #ShiningaLight Please RT</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Go to <a href="http://www.shiningalight.org/">Shining a Light</a> to make a donation or buy a pair of their hand-beaded sandals.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b> Thank you for your time, your love and your generiousity!</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-4741021232716215762013-02-20T07:10:00.004-08:002013-02-20T07:51:27.105-08:00Scrappy Freshmen Busting Chops For Varsity Position<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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They said it couldn't be done . . . A freshmen make Varsity . . . NO WAY! </div>
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Well I have not done it yet . . . but I'm busting my chops, hustling harder, running faster and </div>
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yes mam'in louder. I plan on the Coach needing me on her roster, not because she wants to, but because she has to.</div>
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Haters might say; your gonna burn out, don't kill yourself trying to do something that will never happen. Haters are gonna hate and that is their problem. </div>
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Aside from God and my family, nothing makes me happier than softball. I thrive on the thrill </div>
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of the chase, making the next put out, hard-hit line drives and the adrenaline rush of being part </div>
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of team that wants to win.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6r-n6cM35O5xRLCWDVVuBBa2YklFedN2Iju9UpXh5FEX_CIdam2wW8agg9WCOgZtEI31vLza4MX2e5qVzoqRO6AyyS1KypLxW3EFJVY0-5FL-ym0HKZOiw01tcnmfcsrzErV93bVyB0/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6r-n6cM35O5xRLCWDVVuBBa2YklFedN2Iju9UpXh5FEX_CIdam2wW8agg9WCOgZtEI31vLza4MX2e5qVzoqRO6AyyS1KypLxW3EFJVY0-5FL-ym0HKZOiw01tcnmfcsrzErV93bVyB0/s1600/picstitch.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I may or may not earn that Varsity spot . . One thing is for sure I'm going to leave everything</div>
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that I have on the field. Either way, I'm building character and growing as a person.</div>
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Desert Ridge High School</div>
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Mesa, Arizona</div>
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5A - Division 1, Section 11</div>
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Coach Jennifer Broderick</div>
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(480) 209-4146</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-61552485537211576512013-01-23T11:53:00.000-08:002013-01-23T11:53:16.705-08:00Softball Leaders Who Inspire Me on Twitter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To be honest I joined twitter to connect with college coaches </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and promote my blog. I never expected the support and out </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">reach from so many successful softball leaders, coaches and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">people who genuinely want me to succeed. Twitter makes me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">feel more connected to my dreams. I get to see the bigger picture, as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I follow the tweets of Olympic champions, college players, professional athletes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and coaches. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today I celebrate these softball leaders</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. Most of these people have become friends, advisers and even advocates to help me reach my goal of becoming a collegiate softball player. Some may not even know I exist and think I'm a twitter stalker, and that's okay. What matters is that they inspire me to work smarter, train harder and dream bigger. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbUKjSLzG43WlmV61x65r85Wh82qQvpabEp7hQiO49WCRLWwiyTHiyz838UJVdQYBJCZIHg7BxSrgthqWtbqiQa5C9ahx5H-IJ7nTDlj1AZZTgKpLhrTDW46nWyUmo1JHG8mURXqMc4w/s1600/Blog1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbUKjSLzG43WlmV61x65r85Wh82qQvpabEp7hQiO49WCRLWwiyTHiyz838UJVdQYBJCZIHg7BxSrgthqWtbqiQa5C9ahx5H-IJ7nTDlj1AZZTgKpLhrTDW46nWyUmo1JHG8mURXqMc4w/s1600/Blog1.PNG" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Amanda thank you for finding value in my opinions and for making time to get to know me. Your passion to inspire and empower young athletes is contagious. Your ambition and drive for success, has taught me to dream really big.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegFLFnsJBocRB6JkjZEuLDzTAnkOAy9SZJYp6TcKAK9NPSuDZA7N-GEtfym08eKkkg51mqC_4pkn_7RLVRngUp3L26bl2QRQtH8gGjmrpS-iSmTC0bpsZNDKsAXsR-cITg3Hqdz79HHA/s1600/Blog5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegFLFnsJBocRB6JkjZEuLDzTAnkOAy9SZJYp6TcKAK9NPSuDZA7N-GEtfym08eKkkg51mqC_4pkn_7RLVRngUp3L26bl2QRQtH8gGjmrpS-iSmTC0bpsZNDKsAXsR-cITg3Hqdz79HHA/s1600/Blog5.PNG" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nate thank you for being my #1 supporter. You have become a friend and an advocate. You keep me focused on reaching my goals and staying positive. When I make it big, free tickets for you!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jennie thanks for taking the time to read and share my blogs, to reach out to me and offer your support. Your kindness makes me feel like my goals are within reach.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crystl you make me feel like I belong to the community of softball greatness, you have no idea how cool that is! I'm impressed by how humble and down to earth, you are. You always tweet me back and offer words advice and that means a lot to me, thanks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cat, I bet you have no idea who I am and that's okay. I love your blog and have followed your career since I was 10. Your softball and academic achievements make me drool. Congrats on being inducted to the softball Hall of Fame.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coach Brandon thanks for always reaching out to see how I'm doing. Offering to evaluate my swing and really caring about my success. Your support keeps me working hard.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If your not following me, please follow me now! The bigger my softball circle the better, you are a community of selflessness and caring leaders and all of you, make me a better player. I believe in me and my goals but your support and guidance is that magic element that inspires me to continue to push beyond my comfort zone and to relentlessly chase greatness. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-64416605413362026182012-12-19T10:37:00.000-08:002012-12-19T12:00:15.681-08:00Stack.Com My 1st Published Article Social media can work amazing wonders. I have met several successful and influential<br />
people through twitter and my blog. Some of these relationships are becoming friendships<br />
and are opening some big doors for a young kid like me.<br />
<br />
I'm so proud of my first published article that I co-wrote with Matt Meinrod and the staff at<br />
stack.com. Matt coaches the Florida Select softball team and operates <a href="http://www.trainfastpitch.com/index.html">Trains Fastpitch</a>. Matt<br />
had the great idea of working together on this project. You should follow <a href="https://twitter.com/MattMeinrod">Matt Meinrod</a> on<br />
Twitter. Still pinching myself because I'm mentioned in the same sentence with THE <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennie_Ritter">Jennie Ritter</a>. <br />
<br />
Check out the article and PLEASE tell me what you think click on this link <a href="http://www.stack.com/2012/12/19/college-softball-recruiting/">Stack.Com</a>.<br />
<br />
Also, I'm looking for a charity project that I can really own - hit me up if you have a good cause!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-8212487643082494092012-12-18T14:59:00.000-08:002012-12-18T19:01:50.575-08:00Lessons Learned From UNLV Camp<br />
The one thing I really wanted for Christmas was to attend the UNLV elite camp and I'm thrilled that my parents made my wish come true. College camps are always fun but the UNLV coaches and the girls who attended really made the camp an amazing experience.<br />
<br />
I recognize what an important opportunity it is to showcase myself as a potential future Rebel. I was<br />
determined to play smarter, run faster and hit harder than everyone else. What happened was so much<br />
better . . . I had a blast, made new friends, and was so, in the moment from start to finish. I never forgot what was at stake but because I focused on my love of the game, I played better. Over the three day camp I learned a lot. Here are the most valuable lessons that I learned.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Have a Great Attitude and Have Fun</span></u></b></div>
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These two go hand in hand, so in my mind they are the same thing. The game of softball is fast, if you<br />
make an error you need to shake it off immediately and focus on making the next play. Let's say you<br />
have a bad at bat (it happens) when you get in the dugout redirect that frustration by rallying for your<br />
team. Your attitude will determine how you perform. Someone told me this a long time ago and it is<br />
so true. "Boys need to win to have fun and girls need to have fun to win." From my own experiences<br />
I find that when I'm having fun, I usually play better and when my entire team is having fun, we are<br />
usually winning.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Be Coachable</span></u></b></div>
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Your performance as a player will be so much better, if you listen to your coaches. We all make mistakes but it is important that mistakes are opportunities for you to improve, not to be repeated. When a coach tells you to do something, never question it, just do it! If you’re like me and want to reach your fullest potential, then listen to your coach, they know what will make you better. Get stoked that your coach is showing you the way and know that they want you to be the best you can be.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">90% of the Game is Mentality</span></u></b></div>
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You must believe in yourself to succeed in anything. Your mental strength is the most important muscle of your softball game. When you step up to the plate you must be confident. Are you thinking oh jeez that pitcher is better than me? Or do you know you’re gonna smash that ball to the fence? Believe in yourself and you will be great. I recommend that you read this book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mental-Toughness-Champions-State-Mind/dp/1566636175">Mental Toughness</a> you can also read a blog that I wrote "<a href="http://dirtfromtheinfield.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-work-out-your-not-doing-bench.html">The Workout Your Not Doing - Bench Pressing For Your Brain</a>" about how to become mentally strong.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Say No to Big Hair Bows</span></u></b></div>
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Let's be honest, I cannot take you seriously as a softball player when your bow to head ratio is off kilter. Nothing good will come from an excessively large bow . . . Just say no to the bow!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>My 2 Cents - On Becoming The 1%</u></b></span></div>
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Many high school students dream of becoming a college athlete but the reality is only 1% of all<br />
college students are collegiate athletes. I plan on being the 1% and chances are, if your reading<br />
this you have the same dream. I'm happy to share with you how I plan on becoming the 1%. . .<br />
I'm fearlessly chasing my dreams, pursuing my goals with conviction and gusto. I hit the books<br />
as hard as I hit the field. Everyday I push past my comfort zone and chase after my goals like<br />
their is no tomorrow. I know with 100% certainty that in 2016 I will reach my goal of attending<br />
a college, as a student-athlete.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-78135654439666443622012-11-27T09:49:00.000-08:002012-11-27T09:49:57.008-08:00Softball Sisters & Friends For Life Playing on a softball team teaches you so many life lessons. I learn something new every day.<br />
In the past, I thought of my teammates as my "softball friends", boy was that silly!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92ruClSSlw9tZbsV1zg-S4Aa2k3LtPxGgfZ9Ttw0Lq0K6hWVpxaiVxwNyN9qL3nj6eepHAb-K8CYHz_KEc5yaKVHHz3LIos9qhluruN17J39TrHyTVOJf57k81zVUMJzr0LAxH-r-ABc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92ruClSSlw9tZbsV1zg-S4Aa2k3LtPxGgfZ9Ttw0Lq0K6hWVpxaiVxwNyN9qL3nj6eepHAb-K8CYHz_KEc5yaKVHHz3LIos9qhluruN17J39TrHyTVOJf57k81zVUMJzr0LAxH-r-ABc/s1600/photo.JPG" height="173" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Few Of My Sisters At Batting Practice</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At home, I have one brother and we are best friends. However, I grew up not having a sister. This year,<br />
I was blessed to get 12 sisters, they are all amazing, super-talented, hard working, funny and smart.<br />
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The possibilities are endless when your team comes together like a family. I know this, because our<br />
team is a family. We have experienced wins and losses, laughter and tears. We have earned moments<br />
of greatness and moments we wish we could forget. I know these girls so well, I can tell if someone is just having an off day, or is something is <i>really </i>wrong. I will be there for them no matter what, and I know they have my back.<br />
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This year is less about me and more about "WE<i>".</i> It's critical to make sacrifices, to put my teammates first and to play as hard as I can for the "WE". Because we are a family and that is what you do for the ones you care for. The sooner you realize that this thing called a team, is really your family, the better you will all become as individuals and as a team.<br />
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Softball is what brought us all together, and it's that bond that will keep us together even when we go our separate ways. When life progresses and we move on to play college ball, it will be our bond of friendship that will always keep us close.<br />
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<b> Share This If You Have A Softball Sister That Is Your Friend For Life </b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-40833533381916984162012-11-04T16:53:00.000-08:002013-05-16T16:08:47.867-07:00Toxic Parents & How To Fix Them Over the years, I have witnessed a lot of parents who ruin softball for their daughters. From being<br />
overbearing, loud and some out right disrespectful. I have friends whose parents have pushed them<br />
so hard that they quit playing. I also have friends who do not want there parents to come to games, because they are ashamed by how they act. Today, we are going to take a look at the different types<br />
of toxic parents, and how you can put an end to their toxic behavior.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Do your parents make you feel like this?</span><br />
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<b><u>The Nag</u></b> </div>
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These parents will make a girl want to quit softball. All these parents do is nag, nag, nag. Not to</div>
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be disrespectful, but your daughter does not need to hear your nagging. Softball is supposed to be</div>
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fun. Athletes are not perfect and P.S. neither are you. The more you nag, the less your daughter will </div>
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respond and the less she will want you around. . . <b>Blah!</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<b><u>The Screamer</u></b><br />
These parents are the loudest in the stands. Not only are they loud, but they yell inappropriate things. These parents usually talk smack, and may get into it with the parents of your opponents. The screamer will call out the umpire on percived bad calls. Worse case, the screamer attacks your coach. . . <b>Yikes!</b><br />
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<b><u>My Kids The Best</u></b><br />
It's great when parents believe in their daughters abilities. However, you know the parent who thinks<br />
their daughter is the best player on the team. These parents brag about there daughters skills, point<br />
out the other players errors, and ultimately question the coach about there daughters playing time. In<br />
the parents mind, their daughter should never come out of the game, and she should be given the game ball every tournament . . . <b>Yuk!</b><br />
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<b><u>The Chronic Team Jumper</u></b> </div>
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I don't care where you live, the softball community is smaller than percived and a tight-knit group. There are always parents who will <i>never be </i>happy. These parents are negative and create drama.<br />
They jump from one team to the next, blaming the team, the coach or the other players when in<br />
reality, they're the problem . . . <b>Eww!</b><br />
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<b><u>The Cancer</u></b> </div>
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This parent is the worst kind! They are negative and will spread bad energy to everyone and anyone<br />
who will listen. Unfortunately, these type of parents corrupt their kids, and put divsion between themselves and their teammates. . . <b>Ouch!</b><br />
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<b><u>The Drinkers (And I dont mean water) </u></b><br />
These are the type of parents who think it's okay to drink at practice/tournaments. Tournaments are<br />
just an opportunity for them to party. This behavior gives the team a bad repuation and embarrasses their kid. Im not saying that you can't have fun, but there's a time and place for everything. . . <b>Burp!</b><br />
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<b> <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Time To Put Your Parents In Check . . . For Good</span></u></b><br />
<ol>
<li>Be honest and tell your parents that their behavior has to change, and why.</li>
<li>Speak from your heart, and how there behavior makes you and others feel.</li>
<li>Block them out - you're a young adult and have a mind of your own.</li>
<li>You want to surround yourself with positive people, ask your parents to be part of that group.</li>
<li>Remind them that your a collective package & coaches don't want girls with negative parents.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Extreme Cases Only</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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If you have taken the steps above and your parents behavior has not changed, than you need to </div>
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resort to the some or all of the following advice.</div>
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<ol>
<li>Ask them, that if they come to your games, would they sit at a distance.</li>
<li>Ask them, if they're not going to be positive, don't say anything at all.</li>
<li>Tell them how you feel, and that they're ruining softball. </li>
<li>Explain that you want them to be part of your journey, and you need their suport.</li>
</ol>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-81192878851373876152012-10-18T11:32:00.003-07:002015-01-27T18:31:10.744-08:00The Work Out Your Not Doing - Bench Pressing For Your BrainAs an athlete with college dreams, I'm constantly training to improve every aspect of my game. This is what my weekly schedule looks like. I believe most athletes that want to play college ball are training<br />
as hard as I do. <br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Weekly Workout Schedule</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Monday & Wednesday Strength Train/ Legs & Arms/ Jump Rope</li>
<li>Tuesday & Thursday 2 Mile Run/ 10-40 Yard Sprints/ Bleacher Runs/ Ladders</li>
<li>Thursday 1 Hr. Defensive Private Lesson - Cages</li>
<li>Friday 1 Hr. Offensive Private Lesson</li>
<li>Batting Drills Every Morning 15 Minutes</li>
<li>Saturday & Sunday Games or Team Practice</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study</b> <b> Study </b></div>
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<br />
<b><u>The Truth Makes You Better</u></b><br />
<br />
My Coach is pretty hardcore, and I love her for it she pushes me beyond my limit, all the time. I have so much respect for my Coach; Who by the way, was a NCAA Division 1 2008 National Champion with Arizona State University -- Fear the Fork!!<br />
<br />
About a month ago, my coach told me the following . . . "As a batter, YOUR MENTALLY WEAK".<br />
I went home that night and was really bummed out, what a reality check! I started to think about<br />
what she said. To be honest, I <i>never</i> gave any thought about my mental strength. I'm focused on my batting and fielding mechanics and improving my speed.<br />
<br />
My Coach was right, sometimes when I got up to the plate, I doubted myself. I was over thinking my mechanics. This is a true confession . . . I hoped that I would get walked. This is a real problem, and<br />
I needed to figure out how to fix it and become a mental beast!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_G5vzndD8tqMmCiTYN2lDuu6QhYwtyUHitHBDn7UPp9usHt3BrgBStYb7JqVR2gRHLmovALvGdhfcIsBZcNcClSkmVB6FKEeLnswsf712b4qFgon62EsLCs5irLzmUvZwAZBrQd661U/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_G5vzndD8tqMmCiTYN2lDuu6QhYwtyUHitHBDn7UPp9usHt3BrgBStYb7JqVR2gRHLmovALvGdhfcIsBZcNcClSkmVB6FKEeLnswsf712b4qFgon62EsLCs5irLzmUvZwAZBrQd661U/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u>Read This </u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
Per my Coaches recommendation, I just started reading this book, and so far, I cannot put it down.<br />
Here is the link where you can buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mental-Toughness-Baseballs-Winning-Edge/dp/1566637236">Mental Toughness</a> totally worth the money. A great book to re-read every once in awhile..<br />
<br />
<b><u>Do This </u></b><br />
<br />
Swagger Sessions . . . what the heck is a swagger session? Spend 10 minutes everyday in front of your mirror, pretend like you are in a game, and at bat. Act over the top confident. I mean be obnoxious, be the girl you would <i>hate</i> to pitch against. Your body language, your stance, your swing and your mind screams "Pitch me that ball and I'm going to Rip It"<br />
<br />
Yes this is awkward. The first few times you will feel silly and uncomfortable but trust me, it's worth it. Your whole attitude will change the next time your at the plate. Last weekend, I played in a tournament and not once did I hope to be walked. All I thought about was ripping the ball! and guess what I smashed the ball all weekend and it felt great!<br />
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<b><u>Believe This</u></b><br />
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The #1 Principe to mental strength is believing in yourself. You have to have faith in yourself, be your number one fan, know that you can achieve anything you put your mind too.. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't!! This clip really sums it up . . . YOU WANT SOMETHING. GO GET IT. PERIOD!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/w3nQGiW9VIM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985189454026374858.post-85431848132751875092012-09-30T17:30:00.000-07:002013-04-21T14:34:35.139-07:00Embarking On My Mission Statement <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Softball has been my first love, ever since I first stepped onto the field at the age </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of nine. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most kids waste their time </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with one </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sport or another, but not me. The field </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is where</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I feel the most alive. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The field is my </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">second home, I have made amazing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">friends through softball. My happiest memories are from on the field and in the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dugout.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfKjZzpN8Aaq6zLeHK2WK2hafuJ7_9jj7eMqG0Yg_C_S8aoyw1AI7tQmtS4yMTun4tEBjK485O9OsTG1ey2h1fnXG6b9Mv27PXOuqH-mF2Houjj7aOdp6C_DZ-jEe0O3JV2B9RVSM3JE/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfKjZzpN8Aaq6zLeHK2WK2hafuJ7_9jj7eMqG0Yg_C_S8aoyw1AI7tQmtS4yMTun4tEBjK485O9OsTG1ey2h1fnXG6b9Mv27PXOuqH-mF2Houjj7aOdp6C_DZ-jEe0O3JV2B9RVSM3JE/s1600/download.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My 1st Grand Slam</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always knew I wanted to play college ball, but this year my desire and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">interest </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">became much more intense. This summer, I spent endless hours at the computer </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">researching colleges, career interests and of course softball programs. I </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">identified the Universities</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that match my interests, and I will be relentlessly </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pursuing. If your </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a coach reading this, you can expect to hear from me on a regular </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">basis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At fourteen years old, this is pretty heavy stuff, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I'm 110% committed to my </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">goals and believe in myself. I know </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that it is going to take a lot of hard work, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">commitment</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and sacrifice. I decided the only </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">way that I will reach my goal, is </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to define my own personal mission statement,</span></div>
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<i style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></i>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"It is my mission to become the student athlete that you dream of coaching" </b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Quick Update</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 2012/2013 season has started and I'm super pumped up about my new</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">team, the16U Arizona Hotshots. I think that I have two of the best coaches in</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the State; Ashley Muenz and Annie Lockwood both are NCAA National </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Champions from Arizona State University.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773162919266173425noreply@blogger.com0