My Little All Star

The world is growing increasingly competitive.  When I was a kid, I played a multitude of sports, and as the seasons changed so did my sport.  I dabbled a little in basketball, soccer, and softball.  Back then, you could do that.  Times have changed, and I feel that the opportunity for kids to participate in varying sports is still there, but because of the intensity of competition, if you want to be able to comparably compete, you have to focus on one sport.  Kids start playing their ‘designated’ sport at such a young age too—starting at 3 and 4 year old.  They play it all-year round.  Additionally, parents pay for private lessons and camps.  When I was young, no one took private coaching lessons or went to camps centered around a specific sport.

Mia started softball at 6 ½ years old.  I spontaneously signed her up when I happened to be at the softball fields one day (maybe I was on a run).  She enjoyed it and never complained about it whereas when I had her in gymnastics and cheerleading, she would complain when it was time to go.  With softball, I heard no complaints.  As each softball season ended, I arbitrarily signed her up for the next one.  She began playing softball in both the fall and spring.  She made friends and was really enjoying the game as well as the social aspect of it.  When she first played, she sucked.  No question about it but then gradually, I saw the transformation.  She began to be able to hit off of a coach pitch, which led to her hitting off of a kid fastpitch, and let me tell you, these little kids can pitch FAST!!!!  Moreover, she quickly began catching balls with ease.  She was growing and her skills were developing, and it was very noticeable. 

Mia has speed on her side. 

In the spring, Fountain Valley selects two all-star teams to represent the city in local/regional tournaments.  Each year, Mia would see these players being announced at the closing ceremony.  I know she wanted to be an all-star.  At that time, I honestly didn’t know if she would ever get to that point.  My opinion changed though this past fall.  I started to believe, with a little hard work, that Mia had a good chance of making all-stars.  She was such a solid hitter in the fall.  I was ecstatic for her.  She rarely struck out.  Just maybe….maybe, if she continued, she would be an all-star in the spring?

The spring season came, and Mia’s fielding has been OUTSTANDING.  I cannot even begin to count how many balls she caught this season.  She even made an amazing double play.  She was put at third, and her throw was strong and fierce, and she was able to get runners out at first.  I was really hopeful that her dream of being an all-star would be realized, but then she was in a batting slump.  I couldn’t understand it.  Her batting sucked compared to last fall.  Yes, she would hit it sometimes, but she was not as dependable as she once was…..what happened?? She was in a bad batting slump. 

The season ended, and I hoped, with my fingers crossed, that my little Mia would make the Silver All Star team.  There are two teams—a gold and a silver.  I thought the chances of Mia making silver were good, but I was very, very wrong.  When I received the congratulatory email, I wanted to jump up and scream.  You see, Mia didn’t make silver.  She made “Gold”!!!!   I was so ecstatic and quite honestly, a little bit surprised.   I was so excited to share the news with her, but as soon as I arrived home, she was already beaming with the biggest smile.  She just had that “look”, and I knew she already knew, but how????!!!!  Well, she was told by someone at her school.  Wow.  News travels fast, but it also wasn’t completely accurate either.  Mia thought she made silver, but nooooooo, I told her she made, “Gold!!!!!!”  Her smile even got broader, if that was possible!

For the next few days until closing ceremonies where they announce the all-star teams, Mia was floating on a cloud and talked incessantly about softball and the all- star team.  I have never seen her this happy or excited about anything.  I was proud of her.  She worked hard, and it took 2.5 years, but she finally made all-stars.  This is truly a big deal, because Fountain Valley is competitive and has a very good reputation in softball and baseball.  It is not an easy feat to be able to make the all-star team.

She was getting ready for her the end of the season tournament game (Her team won first place in the playoffs.), and I looked at her and I told her, “You are better than me in everything.  You are smarter than me.  You are prettier than me and you are a better athlete than me.”  When I look at Mia, I see this absolutely amazing kid.  However, Mia's biggest problem is herself.  She has always doubted her capabilities and potential.  I wanted her to have the confidence to believe in herself. Self-confidence is so necessary to success. 

Immediately after winning the playoff tournament

The Green Machine

Mia made many good friends in softball

All-Star season starts today with the first practice.  The next two months are going to be INTENSE.  Practice for 2 hours, 5 days a week with tournaments every weekend. I’m already trying to balance the schedule and the conflicts.  Yes, I have races scheduled but right now, those are secondary, because my baby girl made all stars, and she will get the full experience.

I came home yesterday from work and Mia was standing in the dining room table with her softball mitt on.  I just smiled at her excitement.  She wanted to practice. 

2016 Fountain Valley Gold All-Star Team

Congrats Mia! I am so proud to be your mommy, and I’m happy to go on this ride with you.  Let's do this, girl!!

Mia with her end of the season well earned trophies.