New Sport Nuisance

“Go! Go! Go!” shouted one of Harper’s new teammates.  

She jerk-reflexed her feet from the safety of the white base, but quickly bounced back in doubt, receiving a frustrated expression and a “What are you doing?!” being yelled at her. Freezing up, she searched for Coach McKinnley’s face for direction on what to do next.  

 What was actually a few short seconds felt like an eternity as she scanned the crowd…Her teammates were all yelling and jumping. She spotted Harley sitting next to Mom and Dad in the stands. They were gesturing and cheering, but for what she didn’t know. Finally,she saw Coach’s face who reassured her that she had to start running now. 

Today was her first softball game. After the holiday break, she started practices that were too short, confusing, and made her nervous. She had originally wanted to try something new as she had always played soccer with her brother in the co-ed league and had enjoyed gymnastics during the summer and fall. But now, as she ran with the dirt being kicked up behind her from the cleats, the screaming of the crowd, and then a rather rough pat on the shoulder from the opposing team signaling that she was ‘out,’ she wished she had never tried this new sport.  

Harper hung her head low and slowly returned to the dugout knowing she had disappointed her team. She didn’t want to look them in the eye. Most of them had either played before or had a much better understanding of what to do than she did. She fought down a frog in her throat when all of a sudden, Coach McKinnley approached and patted her shoulder. 

“Nice try out there, Harper! You were so close to being safe.” Coach smiled in encouragement. 

She didn’t look up, “Not close enough…” she muttered quietly.  

“What was that?” 

Her mixed frustration and confusion mounted, and she said, “Ididn’t know what to do out there. I forgot what we learned in practice. I was confused. I was terrible. I don’t want to go again.”  

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down there,” Coach bent over to be on her level, “Harper, this is your first game, you can’t expect to know everything and be a pro right away.” 

“But the rest of the team is really good! None of them have struggled like I did. I am just letting them down.” 

“Most of the girls have played a season already, but they were brand new once, too. You are being too hard on yourself.” 

Harper shrugged, watching her team prepare to go to the outfield at the close of the inning.  

“Right now, the only thing that is disappointing the team and me is your opinion of yourself. You need to practice some patience. With each game and practice that comes in between, you will become stronger, and your understanding of the game will grow.” 

“Do you really think so?” she asked hopefully. 

“I know so.” Coach stood up and patted her back, “Keep your chin up, Harper. Now, let’s focus on the outfield. Do youremember your position?” 

“I can help her, Coach.”A teammate named Emmacame into their conversation, “Come on, Harper, I will go over what to do as we walk out.” She waved to herto joinwith the warm invite and a seemingly sincere smile. 

Coach nodded his enthusiasm,and Harper took a deep breath. The frog had vanished from her throat, and she turned to meet Emma, ready to see what the next inning would bring.  

“First games are the worst, aren’t they?I tripped running to first base during my first game last season!” Emma laughed at herself instead ofshowingfrustrationwith hermistake, “I think you will like the outfield; Inoticed that you have a really good eye for the ball during practice.”  

Harper squeezed the glove in her hand, determined to be patient and give the game another try. She quickly went over what to do with Emma as they took position. 

Finding her family in the crowd, she saw Mom giving a thumbs up with a questioning gaze. She knew Mom was checking to see if she was alright. With a smile, she held up her thumband then adjusted her ball cap, ready to play.  

**Are you trying any new sports or after-schoolactivities this year? How have you handledany confusion you might have felt while figuring outwhat to do? Trying new things is a great way to find your passions and talents. Remember to be patient with yourself, have a positive attitude, and don’t forget to have fun! 

Brittany Richards is a full-time Marco Island resident passionate about all things literary. Creating stories and avidly reading from a young age, she seeks to inspire the next generation to put down the screen and pick up a book. Whether as a nanny, camp counselor, or gymnastics coach, she has a history of working with children and has recently welcomed her first child with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, boating, and cuddling with her beloved dog.