#NGWSD20: Dear Gabby
Dear My Younger Self,
You are so young and gullible, but you will soon realize your growth and will flourish into a strong, confident woman. At 15, you wanted the years to fly by. Now, I wish they would slow down. There are things I wish I knew at your age, and this is why I am writing to you. Softball is your world, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect, especially at a young age. Being recruited at your age can be tough on the mind, but remember to have fun and that everything will fall in place soon.
Enjoy every single moment softball has given you, even the bad times, because they make you better. Love the game, study it, and master your craft.
Those long practices and weekends, late night hitting with Dad, or even getting up early before school to go to the field will all be worth it. Never stop believing in yourself, because I promise your dream school will soon take notice. You pick an amazing school, with the most beautiful campus. It’s a small town, but you enjoy the change from California. Also, you’ll be saying “y’all” in no time!
Your freshman year will be hectic, and you will feel like you are being consumed by the weight of classes, tutors, homework, workouts and weights. But have no fear, because you have found a family to help you along through those difficult times: your teammates, coaches, and the Ole Miss staff. Right now, you may love being away from home, but always remember to pick up the phone and keep that tight bond you have with your family. You will get home sick, and that’s normal, but keep in mind you have a loving family of 20-plus sisters that you can always count on. Something I want to inspire you to do is make relationships with each and every one of those girls, because they are your rock, day in and day out.
You don’t know it yet, but there will come a time where something you never thought would happen to you does: an injury, a broken ankle which requires you to have surgery. But that’s okay. You won’t feel bad for yourself. You won’t make excuses. You won’t cry. And most importantly, you won’t be scared. You will be strong. But I will tell you to prepare yourself for a long, yet fulfilling, recovery. Even though you can’t play during the season, you will experience the time of your life. SEC Tournament Champs. Winning a regional. Going to super regionals. Relish in it because the next year you are back on the field competing yet again.
Enjoy every single moment softball has given you, even the bad times, because they make you better. Love the game, study it, and master your craft. College ball is an amazing experience, filled with so much competitiveness, passion, commitment, and dreams. So be ready when the time comes.
My last bit of advice to you is to be yourself. Be confident in your voice, because at the end of the day you deserve to be heard. Although my journey will be ending soon, yours is just beginning. So dream big, but stay humble.
Always,
Your older self
