When my mom passed away in 2002, I was a sophomore in high school, fifteen years old and doing my best to appear “normal.” I focused on school, showed up for my softball team, and chased my goal of becoming a Division I pitcher. But behind the scenes, nothing felt normal at all.

My mom had been ill for eight months, and by the time she died, I had learned how to put on a brave face. I rarely talked about what was happening at home. I didn’t want pity or special treatment, especially from my softball teammates. On the outside, I looked strong. On the inside, I was scared, unsure of what would happen to me or how to grow up without a mom.

Softball as a Refuge During Grief

Softball became my refuge. It was the one place where I could step away from the heavy, grown-up realities I was facing at such a young age. My dad and I practiced every day, and that time together brought structure, connection, and moments of joy during an indescribably painful season. Those memories remain some of the most meaningful of my life.

That year, my varsity softball team meant more to me than ever. I was excited to play first base and spend more innings on the mound. My mom passed away just before the season began, and her memorial service was filled with more people than my dad and I ever expected.

But the moment that stays with me most is when my entire softball team showed up.

The Power of Team Support in Youth Sports

I don’t even remember telling anyone when the service was. Yet there they were, seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen, sitting together, quietly holding space. Seeing their faces carried me through one of the hardest days of my life. In that moment, my team showed me that I didn’t have to grieve alone.

As I reflect on that time now, I give tremendous credit to my coach, Jim Henderson. He organized the team’s attendance and sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers to the church. His thoughtfulness made me feel seen during one of my most vulnerable moments.

Jim was a heart-centered coach. The kind who truly cared about his players as people, not just athletes. That kind of coaching leaves a lasting impact.

A Coach’s Influence Beyond the Game

Two years later, at the final game of my senior season, our team made it all the way to the CCS Softball Championship, the first in our school’s history. We faced a strong opponent with a dominant pitcher, and we came up short.

After the game, Jim hugged every player, as he always did at the end of the season. But when it was my turn, the hug was different. I broke down completely, sobbing in his arms in what felt like the longest hug of my life.

On the surface, it may have looked like I was crying because we lost. But that wasn’t it.

I was crying because my high school softball journey was over. Because I had been through so much. Because my coach had been there through all of it. In that moment, every tear I had held back since my mom passed away finally came out.

And Jim didn’t rush me. He didn’t pull away. He simply stood there and let me cry.

Why Coaches Matter More Than They Know

Once again, he showed up for me, supporting me as I said goodbye to the team that had made me feel safe and found the courage to step into what came next.

Coaches have the power to shape lives far beyond wins and losses. A supportive coach can provide stability, safety, and belonging during a young athlete’s most vulnerable moments.

I am deeply grateful for the coaches who showed up for me when I needed it most. Thank you, Coach Jim, and thank you to the Mercy High School softball team for being such an important part of my story.