Line Drive Correspondent Grace White reflects on what she’s thankful for and shares thoughts from others in the softball community on what they appreciate during this time of the year…

Well, it’s that time of year again!

Thanksgiving is here, a holiday when we get to eat all kinds of good food and spend much-needed time with family and friends.

It also gives us a chance to reflect on what we are thankful for. For many of us, that can be a long list, but I’d like to give you mine and also a few from others in the softball community.

My list starts with 2 Corinthians 5:21, a Bible verse I read a couple of days ago, which reads:

“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (ESV).”

What gets me in this verse is the phrase “For our sake.” Jesus didn’t come down to earth just for the fun of it. He lived, died, and rose from the dead for us. He wanted those of us who accept Him and have faith in Him to be able to experience the richness of His mercy and grace.

And it’s because of His sacrifice that I can give you the rest of my reasons for being thankful: my dad, my sisters, my family, my friends, my gift of writing, the beauty of sunsets, the ability to lift weights, a roof over my head, a TV to watch, and I could keep going on and on and on.

I think many times I take things for granted, but I’d like to start being more mindful and present as I go through this journey of life.

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Now, I’d like to share what others in the softball world are thankful for in their words:

*** Hadley Elliott: 10U pitcher from Waverly, Tennessee
“I’m thankful for family and friends because I love them, and they can be taken away so quickly. I’m also thankful for sports and for Esther [White, a freshman at UGA] for guiding me.”

*** Breely Peirpoint: 2026 utility player for Fury Platinum National Davenport and Henry County High School
“I am grateful for my family for supporting me through everything that I do, my friends that hang out with me and make me laugh, and to God for allowing me to follow His path.”

*** Precious Bross: Freshman for the University of Georgia
“I’m thankful for all of the people and places God has placed into my life. All of the love and support from my family and friends is such a blessing. I am also so thankful to be at UGA and in the best environment I could ask for!”

*** Mackenzie Sher: Head Softball Coach at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
“First, I’m thankful for the journey that God has put me on. I’m also thankful for the family that He’s given me, the people that He’s surrounded me with, and then just the career path that He’s put me on. I had no intention of coaching, but just the way that He opened doors and moved through my life, He has put me where I am today.”

“I’m also thankful for all those people that I’ve gotten to encounter throughout the years and in daily life. It’s pretty cool when you sit back and think about, you know, each year, you get 20 to 23 or 25 different young women that you get to know and grow and spend time with.”

“Obviously, I’m thankful for my family supporting me, and even though I’m not close to home, I’m still able to communicate with them. My sister just had twins—woo-hoo!And then my sister-in-law is having another baby, so God has just been faithful in their health. I’m just thankful for a lot of things!”

*** Slade Stewart: Founder of the Sparks Elite organization
“I’m so thankful and blessed to be around a bunch of girls and families that love the game.”

“Not to mention, they give me the opportunity to be a small piece of achieving their dreams of playing at the next level.”

“Most importantly, I’m thankful to hopefully be able to make an impact on their lives and SPARK a Fire inside them to be the best they can be!”

*** Brentt Eads: Editor in Chief of Line Drive Media
“This year, I have a lot to be grateful for… a lot of wonderful, positive changes in my life including starting up this great softball site—Line Drive Softball—and getting to continue covering the sport I love!”

“I love what I do, primarily, because of those in it. The players are fantastic people as well as athletes, the parents and families are so supportive, and I really admire the coaches at all levels who give so much to the game.”

“On a personal note, I am blessed with a wonderful family, including my beautiful wife, Shannon, who you may have met with me this summer and fall as we attended eight big travel ball events together and loved every minute of it.”

“Finally, I love what I do and am so inspired by this great sport and the people in it!”

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I don’t know about you, but it’s encouraging for me to hear from others and to see what they are thinking about during this Thanksgiving holiday.

The softball community is a special one for sure, and I hope to be part of it for many years to come!

— Grace White for Line Drive Softball