Coaching the Darlings: A Season of Growth, Giggles, and Greatness
By Assistant Coach Sarah Hagy
As the sun sets on our softball season here in Graceville, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful chaos, the countless memories, and the immeasurable joy of coaching the 7-8-year-old girls’ softball team — the Darlings.
When we started this season, many of our girls had never picked up a bat or worn a glove. Some didn’t know which base to run to. One of our players would stand on the base, face me squarely, and hold the bat out in front of her like a knight holding a sword — ready, but unsure. Another would pick up the ball after she hit it and carry it to the next base herself, just making sure the job got done her way. We had a few who found more joy in the grass and the dirt than in the actual game — and honestly, who could blame them?
But oh, how far we’ve come.
By the end of the season, those same girls were swinging with confidence, running the bases like pros, and showing true teamwork. The giggles were still there — and thank goodness for that — but so was determination, hustle, and pride. The transformation has been nothing short of amazing. It’s bittersweet to see the season end now, just when they were really starting to shine.
We may not have racked up wins on the scoreboard, but in our hearts, we are champions. These girls learned more than softball — they learned how to support one another, how to keep trying, and how to believe in themselves. They showed us that winning isn’t just about runs and outs — it’s about effort, laughter, and the courage to grow.
Behind every strong team is a group of parents and volunteers, and I want to take a moment to thank those who stepped up. Whether it was helping in the dugout, keeping the girls focused, or cheering from the stands, your support made all the difference. It truly takes a village, and I’m grateful for every one of you.
To say it was an honor to coach these girls would be an understatement. Being both a coach and assistant coach this season has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching these young players develop not just skills, but confidence and friendship — it filled my heart in ways I never expected. They taught me just as much as I tried to teach them.
To the Darlings: thank you for your smiles, your spirit, your silliness, and your strength. I wish the season could have lasted a little longer, but I know the lessons we shared will stick with us — on and off the field.
I will forever be proud to have been your coach. Keep swinging for the fences, girls. This is only the beginning.
