It’s normal to feel a wave of emotions on game days. My coach used to tell me that nerves were a good thing because it means that you care. Every athlete is different and will feel different emotions before big games. Opening weekend for DI college softball is finally here! The competing athletes and coaches have been mentally and physically preparing for this day since they stepped foot back on campus in September. Many teams will show up to the field today hungry with unfinished business to attend to. Others will be ready to prove themselves this season. Emotions on day one will be running high. Here are some of the most common emotions that will be experienced from inside the diamond today.
Fear: Whether you are a freshman taking the field for the first time as a college softball player or a senior who is going at it a fourth time, there is always going to be fear. College softball players have been training all year for this moment. Many will be anxious to prove themselves and show their teammates and opponents what they are capable of. Fear of failure is often times common in sports, especially in softball where it happens more times than not. Think about it, All-American hitters with .300 batting averages failed seven out of ten times to achieve that award. I was always taught that a little bit of fear is okay to feel, but never let it consume you because it will eat you alive.
Excitement: Its game day, finally! Many college softball players, especially in the northern states have been cooped up all winter long and now finally have the chance to play outside. There is no better feeling in the world than feeling the dirt beneath your cleats, seeing fans in the stands, and taking the field against an opponent with your fellow teammates. Games are exciting because it’s an opportunity for the players to put all of their hard work to the test. This is what teams have worked the whole off-season, fall and winter season for. Get excited!
Trust: Softball is a team sport and it takes an entire team to win a championship. These female athletes have been training together day in and day out. Knowing that your teammates have your back should take some of the nerves and fear away. Trust yourself that you put the work in. Trust that your teammates have too. Trust that your coaches have done all that they can to prepare you and your teammates for the game. Trust that hard work will pay off.
Pride: The feeling of Pride is also a common emotion experienced by college softball players on opening day. Only 22 female athletes across the country get to represent each University or institution. Herb Brooks said it best, “the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back”. Being a part of a team is an amazing experience. You win and lose as a team. You are much stronger together than you are apart. You made it through all of the months of conditioning, weightlifting, and practices. Now go out there and enjoy it!
