“She is too small to play”

“She will never play after high school”

“She will never be able to hit fast pitching”

This is all too common in the softball community.  The more frustrating part is it is too common in the younger age groups.  These are all things I have heard as a coach AND as a player.  I was 12 years old when my parents were told I would never hit fast pitching.  I was 12 years old when my parents were told I was too small to play.  I was 12 years old sitting the bench every single game because of my size.  

Let the “small” kids play.  

The “small” kids are the ones with the biggest hearts.  

I have just started my coaching career and am already disgusted by the words spread from other coaches.  This is not a pity grabber, this is a wakeup call to all coaches.  Be better.  Your words will stick with players for years.  

After 11 years, it still sticks with me.  I proved that coach wrong.  I proved the other parents wrong.  I proved that little voice inside my head wrong.  This post is not directed to anybody specific, but I hope your daughter proves them wrong too.