Last summer, we did a story on a talented 2029 infielder from Southern California named Peyton Guthrie.

In publishing the article titled Rising Star: 2029 Shortstop Peyton Guthrie… “The Captain” Who Takes “No Days Off” (August 25, 2024), we were so impressed with her talent and positive attitude, we invited the young athlete to join our blogger team.

In her introductory blog for Line Drive Softball last Fall, Peyton detailed how she grew up loving ballet, soccer and softball but ultimately had to decide which she loved the most… here’s how she made that decision: Line Drive Blog: Super 2029 Shortstop Peyton Guthrie’s Three Early Loves… Ballet, Soccer & Softball (Sept. 16, 2024)

In today’s blog, Peyton catches us up on the latest in her life including changing teams but suffering an injury just three games after the switch. It took her out of action for a while, but the 5-foot-9 talented player learned an important lesson: “If you are willing to work hard for your goals and put your faith in God, you will heal.”

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Hi, my name is Peyton Guthrie. I’m 13 years old and live in Pasadena, California. I’m also a blogger for Line Drive Media.

About a couple months ago I went back to my old team, the Corona Angels. This was a big change in my softball career.

First, I would like to thank the Tyson family for giving me the opportunity to come back to this amazing organization. I’m forever grateful.

Back in September I was really questioning if I was pushing myself to be the best player I possibly can be. My answer to that question was “no.” To grow as a player I needed to be uncomfortable. I was looking for a team that could push me and make me the best player I physically and mentally could be, and I made the decision that I would go back to wearing the Angels uniform again.

Then once I knew that was how I felt, I had a tryout with Coach Mike Perez. Immediately I knew I wanted to play for him. After the tryout was over, he offered me a spot on his team, and it took off from there. I was thrilled to be back in the organization and was so excited to see everyone again!

Next thing you know, I’m playing my first tournament with the team; I’m so excited to be wearing the uniform again. but at that moment— the third game we played—I laid a bunt down and reached base.

Then, one of my teammates hits a shot up the middle and I’m running so hard around the bases, and I see an opportunity to score. I slide into home plate and my ankle gets caught on the base.

I suffered a Grade 4 sprain to my ankle and my doctor said I would be out for 6-8 weeks. I have never been hurt in my whole life, and I didn’t know what to do with myself.

I still went to every practice and every game cheering on my teammates, but, honestly, I was just really upset and sad that I couldn’t play softball, the sport I love the most. I knew that everything was going to be fine, but it was hard having a positive mindset.

Still, I was determined to get better and stronger, so I went to physical therapy twice a week with my therapist Kevin. I did exercises to build strength and then I started to feel strong enough to actually run again.

The recovery was a long process, but I finally got cleared to play and I was so happy!

I started practicing again and playing games and the one I have to thank for me playing again is God. He gave me the faith and strength to keep going even when times got tough. So, thank you God, for listening to prayers and everything you have done for me.

Here is some advice to all the players that are suffering from an injury right now: your career is not over. If you are willing to work hard for your goals and put your faith in God, you will heal.

It might take a long time but trust me it will all be worth it when you achieve your goals!

Lastly I would love to end with my favorite bible verse Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Always remember… God has a plan for you!

— Peyton Guthrie/Line Drive Softball blogger