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 Shannon Bennett, a softball student-athlete at UVa-Wise.
Dear softball,
After spending fifteen years and countless hours with you, you would think it would be easy to describe how much you mean to me and how thankful I am for you. As I sit here and try to articulate my thoughts, I’ve found that it’s so much harder than I could’ve ever anticipated because you’ve given me so much throughout the years and I’m not sure of where to even begin.
Like many other athletes and their respective sports, you gave me a set of skills that I will continue using throughout my life such as discipline, work-ethic and time management. You taught me how to be disciplined both on and off the field with both my actions and reactions. You showed me how to use this discipline to control my emotions when dealing with failure and rejection so that I can learn a lesson and move on. You showed me how to work hard, especially as a young girl who looked up to and wanted to be like the amazing players I saw on TV. As I got older, I strived to be one of those players that younger girls looked up to, so you pushed me to be the best player and the best person I could be.
As if that wasn’t enough, you gave me the privilege of getting to know some of the kindest and best people I’ve ever met. Without you, I would not have been able to meet the countless teammates, competitors, and families that I have gotten so close to over the years. There’s no greater bond that between athletes who share the love and joy of the same game, so getting close with my teammates was not only easy but enjoyable as well. The girls I met through you are not only teammates, but they’re also life-long friends, future bridesmaids, and basically family.
The most important thing you’ve taught me, however, is how to believe in myself. You’ve showed me that I am capable, both physically and mentally, of nearly anything as long as I put in enough time and effort. You’ve shown me heights that I never anticipated reaching and realities that I never could’ve fathomed. You’ve given me the strength and courage to believe in myself, which has helped me grow to be the person I am today.
Thank you for the tears of laughter and of lessons learned, for the good times and the tough times, and the beautiful people I’ve met along the way. Although our time together is dwindling and I will soon lace up my cleats for the last time, I will always have the memories and friendships you’ve given me. I will forever be grateful for you, softball, and I will forever love you.
Love,
Shannon Bennett
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise