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 Erin Gardner, a softball student-athlete at Urbana.

Dear Softball,

I started playing this sport when I was five years old. I remember my dad coaching me and pushing me to be the best I can be. ?My dad would take me to the park and hit ground balls at me until I learned how to field them -- taking a few off the shins made me learn pretty quickly. I’ve put in blood, sweat and tears for you. I always dreamed of playing college softball, and hard work and dedication made that possible.

I have so many memories that will last a lifetime. My first home run, my first no-hitter, and all the friends I’ve made along the way. The friends I have made through softball are amazing because we already have one thing in common: the sport we love. During the hotel stays and long, hot weekends during the summer, the softball team became my second family. I have not only learned how to play softball, but many other valuable life lessons. You have to work hard for what you want. Nothing will be given to you. Teamwork and sportsmanship are very important. A new lesson I’ve come to understand recently is to play for something bigger than yourself.

You have been my whole life. On off days I get so bored that I don’t know what to do with myself. When I’m finished playing I will probably coach because I can’t stay away from you. I also want to be the reason someone else falls in love with you. I want to give someone else the opportunity to love this sport the way I have. I can’t imagine dedicating myself to anything else. All the work put in was worth it.

I’ll miss getting hit by pitches and showing off a cool bruise. I’ll miss the pregame jitters and how it feels to get the game winning hit or make a diving play. I’ll miss getting criticism from my dad after every game. I’ll miss him giving me a hug after he made me cry and whisper “I’m proud of you.” Most of all, I’ll miss not having something to work towards every day. There is always something to improve on. This is a game of failure which makes succeeding so enjoyable. I’m glad to say I leave it all on the field each and every game and will continue to do so until my last game. Thank you for all the memories and friends I have made along the way.

Love,
Erin Gardner #5
Urbana University