Rise to Meet It

I love this shirt worn by a Royals softball alum who happens to be daughter of the coach and just finished her freshman year of college playing for UW-Green Bay. Miss Ava was our star pitcher and knew how to thrive under pressure to get our team to state – and a state title. Love that she is in the Assumption dugout now, influencing this younger team.

Last night was the sectional final between our Lady Royals and the Hillsboro Tigers. I wasn't planning to drive down to the "neutral site" at New Lisbon High School, but then I remembered how the season started. 

With freshman coming in and making up half the roster, it was a tough beginning. There's a big difference playing at a high school level when you're up against seasoned players. The team had to work very hard to earn some successes. Many successes. But they did. They rose to meet the challenge.

They've come so far since that first game of the season. But being one game away from going to state? How did they do it?

Last night I was reminded how. Just like how we should do things in real life, they were cheering each other on, expressing their pride in each other, and being supportive rather than disparaging when "learning moments" occurred. 

The end result of true team work?

A 10-0 blowout and trip to state next weekend! 

Don't ever underestimate where hard work, dedication, and compassion can get you. Be confident. And rise to meet it.