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 Gina Fogle, a softball student-athlete at Wheeling Jesuit.

Dear Softball,

I fell in love with you at a young age and never looked back. You have taught me important lessons and provided me with lifelong memories. Over the years, we’ve had many ups and downs. You’ve taught how to be humble on my good days and to never quit on the bad days. You’ve taught me that tomorrow is a new day and it is what you make it. You’ve taught me how to work hard, push myself, and have passion. You’ve showed me how far sacrifice and determination can take me in life.

You have lead me to a college education and a scholarship to play softball at Wheeling Jesuit University. You lead me to a team full of strong, determined women. These women hold me accountable and push me everyday to get one percent better. You’ve led me to a team that expects nothing less than growth and positivity. Most importantly, you’ve led me to a team full of sisters and people who I can lean on in the good and bad times.

I’m not sure where I would be right now if you weren’t in my life. However, you have provided me with endless experiences and opportunities. You’ve stuck by my side no matter what curveball life threw at me. But, the most important lesson I’ve took away from from you is there is always room for improvement. I should never settle with how I am now, I should want to strive everyday to become a better person on and off the field. Lastly, I want to say thank you for giving me the privilege to become a college student-athlete. You deserve it all and more.

Love,
Gina Fogle
Wheeling Jesuit University