Addison DeRoche is a standout sophomore from Portland, Maine ranked as the No. 2 player in the 2027 Line Drive HOT 100 released this summer and helped her Mojo – Lewis 16U team to a big PGF National Championship in July.

But it was also a tough time for the tremendous athlete as she lost someone very close to her in life (click HERE to read that story and see a clip of Addison talk about it).

Months later, as we celebrate this Thanksgiving week, the title-winning pitcher reflects on everything she values and treasures and how it has helped her see life in a more appreciate manner…

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It goes without saying that I am blessed and thankful for my family and health, awesome trainers and coaches, friends, teammates and a wonderful school community but when asked by Line Drive Softball to write a piece on “What I Am Thankful For,” I kept getting led to a lesson I recently had from a reflection of something personal.

Each year, late summer, I love to go to my favorite beach at sunset and reflect on my summer season.

I write my thoughts down in my journal and set new goals for the upcoming fall season.  This year was no different other than I’d had my biggest summer yet and also one of the hardest.

The high of winning the 16U PGF Premier Championship in the same week that my grandmother went to heaven really drove home the saying: “Be where your feet are.”

Here is my acronym of what T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G. means to me considering this recent contrast of triumph and tragedy…

I am, first and foremost:

… THANKFUL for this lesson.

It is surreal playing travel softball and flying throughout the country most every weekend for tournaments and college camps. Leaving on a Friday and returning on a Monday while missing school is as though I am living two separate lives. Learning to be present in my own life no matter what state I am in has been one of the biggest challenges for me. I am…

… HOPEFUL that I can continue to…

… APPRECIATE all the opportunities God has provided me and never take them for granted. I am a goal setter, very driven and I thrive having a strict routine so instead of always making endless lists, I have worked very hard on enjoying the moment I am in because tomorrow is not promised.  Upon reflection…

… NATURE brings me a sense of being one with the universe.

… KINDNESS is a trait I have learned to amplify, and it is free to give out.  With softball being such a large aspect of my life, I realize…

… SACRIFICES happen and I often get left out of my home circle and everyday life. My Mojo – Lewis teammates know a side of me my high school classmates do not see and vice versa. This has taught me to have…

… GRATITUDE for everyone I know and respect our different personalities and perceptions. It keeps me grounded and helps me cherish all the people God has put in my life, knowing each one is there for a reason.

Last weekend my parents threw me a surprise 16^th birthday party and I was overwhelmed with joy seeing my current classmates, former classmates and friends and teammates from throughout my life all in one room to celebrate with me.

I felt as though it was a celebration of all of us!

Through social media, I am often…

… INSPIRED by seeing personal…

… VICTORIES shared.

It motivates me to keep pushing me to be the best version of myself. I know that someday I want to have a positive…

… IMPACT on the world and…

… NOURISH young minds to show them that their own personal goals can be reached if they surround themselves with…

… GENUINE influences.

I have a strong belief in my own future, but I want to live where my feet are in the process. What I am thankful for is being able to trust in God’s plan for me!

Happy Thanksgiving from Maine!

— Addison DeRoche/Class of 2027