Over the last two weeks, I have been very busy. First, I had the opportunity to take part in the USSSA National convention in Temecula, CA – my hometown! Sitting in on various meetings, and listening to how the USSSA organization/company works, was very eye opening. The most surprising to me, was the tremendous amount of work, put in by so many people that makes this organization so successful. I enjoyed learning many different aspects of operating the USSSA organization and meeting many of the people associated with its success.
In my opinion, the best part of the entire week was getting to see my good friend and former coach; Caitlin Lowe be inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame along with 5 other who contributed so much to the USSSA. Listening to Caitlin speak, and hearing the passion she has for the sport of softball and the NPF were unforgettable. Although this was her time to take the stage and be recognized, when it came time for her to speak, she didn’t talk about herself or what she has accomplished in her career; she spoke about the sport of softball, the NPF league and how thankful she was to all those that made this possible for her. She was a true inspiration, and I look forward to working alongside her at the University of Arizona, for the next couple years.
If all of that, wasn’t enough to make my week truly special, I then had the opportunity to work with the most knowledgeable hitting guru, Don Slaught. Coach Slaught, is the founder of Right View Pro, and is now a part of USSSA, and I had the priviledge to work with him. A little background on my appreciation for Coach Slaught: When I was 12 years old, I practiced every single day with my dad, and another hitting coach, who modeled my swing through the use of Right View Pro. Now, my only dream and only school I ever wanted to go to, was University of Arizona. Coach Slaught, received a video clip of my swing, when I was 14 years old, and passed it along to Coach Candrea, and a few weeks later; I was committed to attend and play softball for the best coach and at the best university there is – UofA! Anyway, back to the present, I was able to work with some new technology, and listen to the great knowledge Don Slaught has of the swing. What a week!
I was fortunate to be alongside, and work with, some of the greatest people our sport has ever known. I will truly cherish this experience and look forward to more opportunities like this, in the future… Go PRIDE!
