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 Sydney Bennett, a softball student-athlete at West Liberty.

Dear Softball,

I’ve known you for over 15 years. You are one thing that has been constant in my life. Friends, relationships, and most other things have faded. Our journey together will soon be over, and I am grateful for the many years spent with you by my side. You never left me, not once. You were there for me when all other aspects of my life seemed to be going against me. When times were tough I could go to you and you knew exactly how to ease my troubles. That feeling of making an incredible diving play or hitting a ball so perfect and watching it soar over the fence, priceless.
 
You taught me how to handle each and every situation with courage, determination, and perseverance. A once timid, doubting young girl is now a woman radiating with confidence and fearlessness thanks to you. You showed me that not every girl has to be small and feminine to be approved and respected by society. No, you showed me that a woman can be strong-minded and powerful and athletic. You brought out the leader in me. Thank you for making me who I am.
 
You gave me something to love when I struggled to love myself. I was able to depend on you when I felt as though I lost my own identity. Thank you for teaching me how to love myself and appreciate all parts of the game. You, softball, are a game of failure. Overcoming this failure developed my passion for you. Thank you for teaching me how to fail with grace and win with pride. You gave me the ability to try and try again. You taught me to never give up. You taught me how to respect the game.

Thank you for the bond you have created between my family and I. My family are my biggest supporters and have spent countless hours helping me perfect this game. Thank you for showing me that I am stronger and tougher than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, softball for the scrapes, scars that will never fade, tan lines, and teammates that have become family. You changed my life for the better. My love for you will never falter. For everything, thank you.
 
Love,
Sydney
West Liberty University