Maddie Walter - King Univeristy Softball
How I fell in love with softball again, despite trials and setbacks
I have been playing softball since I was 5 years old. I just loved softball growing up, as the pitcher’s circle was my safe place. When I was a freshman in college my love for the game slowly faded away. I went from being so eager to play collegiate softball to counting down till the last game of the season. I was the starting pitcher as a freshman and with that came a lot of jealousy. I was constantly bullied, left out and simply just did not fit in with the team atmosphere, to say the least. I had no support from my coaches and was left to just deal with it and turn the other cheek. I sobbed in my dorm every night just wanting to quit softball because I just could not take it anymore. I became severely depressed and wanted to take my life as the hurt and sadness were too much to handle. I wanted nothing to do with softball and lost my love for the game.
Towards the end of my freshman year, I knew it was best for me to transfer. I decided I would go to a school farther away, but God had other plans. I became very ill and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I was unsure if I would be able to play softball again. I went through treatment and was bedridden for months. Therefore, I took the fall semester of my sophomore year off to recover. Through this time, I realized how much I missed softball and was determined to get healthy. Because of my health conditions, I was advised to find a school closer to home. I began to reach out to schools that were local and found a school that was the best fit for me at the time. At my new school, I started to find my love for the game again. I became motivated and worked hard to get back into shape and to be the best pitcher I could be. Even though I faced some similar challenges I faced with my team during freshmen year, I decided I would not let those things get to me. I made a promise to myself that I would not let anyone ever again take away the love of the game from me.
In the spring of 2022, my team and I went on to win our conference and continued to regionals. I set goals for myself that I was able to achieve but more importantly I played for that little girl who fell in love with the game of softball at 5 years old and never looked back.
When my senior season ended in regionals, I thought it was time to say goodbye to softball. But I was not ready for my softball journey to end. It had always been a dream of mine to move to Tennessee and play at a higher level of softball. I have always been a homebody and feared the unknown, but I decided I would not let that hold me back anymore. I prayed that if it was God’s will for me to play my extra eligibility for softball, a school from Tennessee would reach out to me. The next day I entered my name in the transfer portal and soon after a school from Bristol, TN reached out to me. I knew right there that was where I was supposed to be. I now attend King University and found my love for the game even more. I have pure joy when I step onto the field and cherish every moment. I am surrounded by amazing teammates and a very supportive coaching staff that I know will always have my back. I will forever be thankful for my team and this experience. I am truly living out my dream.
Even though I have encountered many trials and setbacks during my mental health and softball journey, I would not change it, as softball has taught me so many life lessons.
If there is one thing, I hope you can take away from my story is that I hope you always remember why/ where you started, to never let anyone steal your joy, and to know you are never alone! And one more thing, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and go chase your dreams!