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 Britney Bonno, a softball student-athlete at Urbana.

Dear Softball,
You have been my life ever since I was a little girl. Thank you for the challenges you have put on my path for me to overcome, the endless memories and the unforgettable coaches and teammates that I’ve had the opportunity to make family along the way. 

I have no idea where I would be in life if I didn’t have you. You have taught me to be a part of something bigger than myself. You have taught me leadership skills, commitment, hard work and dedication. Thank you for giving me a break from everything going on around me in life and for giving me some of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. Thank you for teaching me how to be a teammate. You’ve been there for me through it all and have never given up on me. I have struggled with you many times, but you have made me the person I am today and showed me how to deal with failure and adversity. My ability to learn how to deal with failure has made the successful moments that much better.  You have taught me that things are not always going to be handed to me no matter how hard I work for it. You have taught me more about myself than I ever imagined. I am a stronger and more independent woman because of you. I have learned to never take anything for granted because it can be taken away from you in a blink of an eye.

You have given me so many opportunities and I can’t thank you enough for surrounding me with the people I am around on a daily basis. I couldn’t imagine being around any other group of people on this journey. The coaches and teammates I had and have at this moment are irreplaceable -- they are my second family, they are my role models. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue my career at Urbana University where I have met my lifelong friends. Thank you for giving me two coaches who push me to be the best person I can possibly be on and off the field. They have impacted my life and made lasting impressions in so many different ways and I am forever grateful. Thank you for giving my team the opportunity to unite and become one while praying before every game. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to wear Urbana across my chest these four years of college. I am thankful for the pregame nerves that I get and being able to lace up my cleats and go out on the field and create unforgettable memories with my best friends. I

 I will never be able to thank you enough for the lessons you have taught me and the love you have shown me. I want to thank you for everything you have ever given me to me and more. 
 
Love, 
Britney Bonno
Urbana University