My Querencia

I see her walkup to the plate, flash me a dirty look and start to swing her bat. I turn around, walk to the back of the circle, gather my thoughts and focus on one thing: striking her out. I sep up to the mound get in my stance and think to myself, “I am going to strike you out whether you like it or not”, and I know that she is thinking, “I am going hit this ball over the fence whether you like it or not.” I grab the smooth leather ball out of my glove and set up the laces on my fingers. I can feel the dirt blow against my ankles and a single drop of sweat glide down my cheek. I stop take a deep breath and start my pitch.
The reason I chose the softball field as my querencia was because I know I am going to have a fun time no matter what happens. I love it so much because I know what I’m doing. I know what I am going to do with the ball before it comes to me; I know most of the plays; and I feel comfortable at the pitching mound. My goal is to be the smartest player out there, not always the best player but the smartest. My nana/coach always tells me “If Better is Possible Good is NOT enough”; knowing that makes me always want to do my best out there. I have been playing since I was four. I have been pitching since I was seven and been getting better and better. I don’t mind the running and the stretches as long as they help get better. That’s why I love being at the softball field so much.