In 2018-19, the Mountain East Conference began its "Dear Sport" initiative where student-athletes in the conference were encouraged to write a letter to their sport. The initiative provides the opportunity for student-athletes to express in their own words the impact that sports has played in shaping them throughout their lives. 

Click here to view all letters posted throughout the year. 

Below is a letter from Ava Hockey, a softball student-athlete at UVa-Wise.

Dear Softball,

It has been quite a journey. Sixteen years to be exact. I want to start by saying thank you. You have made me the strong, independent, and humble woman I have become today.

Growing up you gave me the life-long friends I have today. You installed an undeniable work ethic in me that has forced me to do my best and pushed me through the impossible. You were there for me when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. You gave me a family to turn to when I was 7.5 hours away from home. You taught me how to fight and not settle for mediocrity in any part of life. Through your game of failure, you taught me it is okay to fail but it is not okay to give up.

I will always look back on the time we have had together and not have a single regret. You were everything to me and as this chapter in my life comes to an end, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching a little girl with big dreams to work hard, be present in the moment, and to never take anything for granted. I will never forget these lessons that you installed in me. I am forever indebted to you and cannot wait to pass what you’ve taught me on to my children.

Ava Hockey
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise