Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of Line Drive Softball!

Today, tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, we’re running a three-part series where we hear from those in the softball community about what they’re grateful for.

Here’s Part 1…

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Claire Lindsay, 2028, Hustle Softball, Cy-Fair (Texas) High

During the holiday season, we all tend to look back on the year and think about what we are thankful for. We should always start with God, and appreciate the many blessings he’s given us, whether that’s family, our health, a roof over our heads, or a bed to sleep in, whatever it is you are thankful for. But I also wanted to say that I am thankful for Softball.

• I’m thankful for the friends I’ve made

I’ve made a lot of friends over the last few years. Some I talk to all the time and consider them the best of friends; some I see at a tournament, and we run up and hug each other like we haven’t missed a beat. We sit in the stands between games and cheer them on while they are playing, and we smile once the games are over if we are playing each other, and we make a play against them. These are friends I’ve made that I wouldn’t have without softball. 

• I’m thankful for the physical and mental toughness it’s taught me

By this time of the year, we are practicing 5 days a week, 2 hours a day with our high school team, have travel team practice 2 days a week, lessons and training sessions a couple times a week. And chances are, your ankle, knee, toe, arm, shoulder, elbow, leg, something hurts. Or everything hurts. But you show up for practice anyway. Your mental and physical toughness push you through. 

• I’m thankful for the work ethic it’s taught me

We all know what it takes to succeed in this game, at any level. Practices, lessons, workouts—you have to work hard even when you are tired, and you don’t want to. I think it teaches us to prioritize and understand that you have to sometimes make sacrifices to achieve your goals. I think this will translate into everything we do in life once softball is over.  

• I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned on what it means to be a part of a team

When I did competitive Taekwondo, it was an individual sport; your success or failure was directly related to what you put into it. It was 100% on you. When you are part of a team, you have to change how you face competition. You trust and rely on 8 other girls to do their jobs and work together for a common goal. You have to pick them up when they need it, and they are there to do the same for you (especially when you lay out for a foul ball, do a scorpion, and your SS runs over to help you up, thanks Petey!)  

• I’m thankful for every single coach I’ve had

I am proud to say that I have learned something from every coach I’ve had the pleasure of working with. There are lots of posts, memes, and TikTok’s about coaching, but I think the thing I see over and over that stands out the most is “coaches lose sleep over OTHER people’s kids.” I appreciate the coaches I’ve played for, the ones I’ve picked up for, the ones who let me come to their practices for extra reps, the ones who give me lessons, and the coaches I didn’t play for but got to know.  

• Finally, I’m thankful for the people who highlight our sport

I’m thankful for sites like Line Drive Media, podcasts, and other platforms that highlight our sport and celebrate the girls who play it. Softball keeps growing bigger and bigger , and girls who want it have a path to play professionally in the US. I appreciate the exposure these platforms give us and how they celebrate our accomplishments. 

I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and 2026!

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Rylie Walker, 2029, Mojo – 2011, Hebron Christian Academy (Monroe, Ga.)

I’m thankful for supportive parents who fuel my passion, push me to be my best, and give me every opportunity to chase this sport I love.

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Addison DeRoche, 2027, Mojo-Lewis, Cheverus (Portland, Me.) High

Last year I wrote a piece on what I am thankful for (Click HERE) and as I reflect, much has remained the same.   However, this year brought many new beginnings. A cousin just had her first baby, my other cousin is due in January.

From a softball perspective, I learned when one door closes, many more open and I joined a new team this past season.

God knew I needed this year of growth.

I have learned to have gratitude for each day and to be present in each moment where my feet are. This has allowed me to express appreciation to others around me and influence them positively.

This Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for my parents, family, coaches, and the new people I’ve met and those I keep up with each year.

I am also blessed to have the opportunity to become a NOLE and join the Florida State Softball program in 2027. Until then, I will cherish each and every workout, lesson, or session, knowing I am thankful for the ability to move my body and play the game I love.

I get to play softball.

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Audrey Sprague, 2031, Rhode Island Thunder

As Thanksgiving is upon us, I would like to share a few things that I am grateful for.

First, I am grateful for my health and for this wonderful life the Lord has given me.

I’m also grateful for my family and friends who are always there for me no matter what. This fall I have learned SO much from joining the 14U Rhode Island Thunder National team and from my pitching coach, Jen Hoar, as well as from my friend and mentor, Addison DeRoche.

Each has helped me grow as a player, teammate, and person! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!