Exhibit: Softball

Benchmark: Teamwork/Communications

Skills:  

TC107: Understand and contribute to the mission and goals of the team.

 TC111: Serve as a leader in your own area of expertise.

 

      Ever since I was in first grade I loved softball. I loved the game so much I knew I needed to participate in the sport. It’s been twelve years and softball has become one of my favorite sports. I played third base ever since the beginning, but last year my coach decided to put me behind the plate, to be the catcher. He pulled me aside and asked me if I felt comfortable behind the plate, I responded “Of course”. He began to explain the responsibilities, “You need to be a leader out there, you have to know where the ball is going before the ball is even thrown, you need to be loud and talk to your teammates, this is your team now”.  (TC107) I nodded my head because I understand what I needed to do. (TC11) He made it very clear that I had all the potential to be a leader. Of course, I was nervous leading a team with almost all seniors. I understand that it’s hard for seniors to let a junior lead. The seniors were very understanding and welcomed me warmly.   

     By the end of the season I learned and adapted to the change of being at third to moving to catcher. Whenever I saw that my team had their chin’s down I always tried to lift them up with encouraging words. I learned how to show them what plays we were running and to communicate with my outfield even though they were a hundred and twenty-five yards away. At the end of the season I was awarded with the “Coach’s Choice for Catching”. This award was picked by all of the coaches in the cascades conference choosing the best catcher. I was shocked because it was my first year, but proud of myself for my accomplishments.

    When I get a job in Psychology I will definitely use my communication skills and leadership skills that I learned from softball. I will have to communicate a lot to my clients and I will need to learn to understand their problems and help by solving them. My communication skills wouldn’t have been as well if I didn’t become a catcher. I had to talk to my older teammates and learn how to work with them and teach them where to throw the ball at the home plate.