Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics
Thank You, Softball
June 04, 2021 | Softball
A member of Louisville softball's 2021 senior class, Maddy Newman joined the Cardinals from Osceola, Indiana and went on to become a four-year starter. As her collegiate career comes to a close, she reflects the life lessons she has learned from the sport.
It was a hot summer day as my dad and I just got home from a long three-hour practice. As I was making my way up the stairs to the house, he asks me, "What do you think about playing college softball?"
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Having no idea what college softball, or even what college in general entailed, I shrugged and responded with an innocent, "Sure!"
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Little did I know this simple conversation would change my life forever.
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You often hear softball being referred to as a game of failure, but I like to look at it as a game of priceless life lessons. Here are just a few I've learned:
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Failure is an event, not a definition and we can only be successful at something we're willing to fail at.
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Small disciplines done consistently lead to big results over time. It all begins and ends in your mind - what you give power to, has power over you if you let it.
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All experiences, positive and negative, have value if you choose to look for it. Nobody else is ever responsible for your situation but you.
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And the most important one, you're never too small to accomplish your dreams. You don't have to be a huge power hitter nor lift the most weight in the weight room to be successful in this game. Refuse to let people tell you differently, it worked out pretty well for me.
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My experience as a softball player has been nothing short of rewarding. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Thank you to the University of Louisville as well as the coaching staff and athletic administration for the amazing opportunity. Thank you to my incredible parents, family, and friends for being the best support system I could have ever asked for.
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Lastly, thank you, softball.
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Maddy Newman, #1
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It was a hot summer day as my dad and I just got home from a long three-hour practice. As I was making my way up the stairs to the house, he asks me, "What do you think about playing college softball?"
Â
Having no idea what college softball, or even what college in general entailed, I shrugged and responded with an innocent, "Sure!"
Â
Little did I know this simple conversation would change my life forever.
Â
You often hear softball being referred to as a game of failure, but I like to look at it as a game of priceless life lessons. Here are just a few I've learned:
Â
Failure is an event, not a definition and we can only be successful at something we're willing to fail at.
Â
Small disciplines done consistently lead to big results over time. It all begins and ends in your mind - what you give power to, has power over you if you let it.
Â
All experiences, positive and negative, have value if you choose to look for it. Nobody else is ever responsible for your situation but you.
Â
And the most important one, you're never too small to accomplish your dreams. You don't have to be a huge power hitter nor lift the most weight in the weight room to be successful in this game. Refuse to let people tell you differently, it worked out pretty well for me.
Â
My experience as a softball player has been nothing short of rewarding. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Thank you to the University of Louisville as well as the coaching staff and athletic administration for the amazing opportunity. Thank you to my incredible parents, family, and friends for being the best support system I could have ever asked for.
Â
Lastly, thank you, softball.
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Maddy Newman, #1
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Players Mentioned
2B/OF
/ SoftballSB: Highlights vs. No. 13 Stanford
Saturday, February 28
Highlights: Louisville SB vs. No. 18 Florida State (Gm. 1)
Thursday, July 11
Highlights: Louisville SB at Boston College
Sunday, May 05
SB: Daisy Hess and Sam Booe Postgame vs. #22/21 Clemson
Saturday, April 27
