Photo by: Jason Mills
Kaitlyn Kruger: Dear Softball
4/24/2020 1:00:00 PM | Softball
Dear Softball,
I write to you with tears in my eyes because my days of spending hours and hours with you are now over. I don't write this letter like most in the past—approaching the end of conference play with an excitement about what postseason holds; I write this to you knowing I've hung up my cleats for the last time. Suddenly and devastatingly, you were ripped from me by something out of anyone's control. But if you've taught me anything, it's this: it's not your circumstances that define you, it's the way you respond. I will hold my head high and know I gave you my all for 17 years. I thank God for you every day and for the way you've impacted my relationship with Him and those around me.
Softball, you gave me the best 17 years I could have ever imagined. No, it wasn't all happy memories. There were lots of tears, and frustration, and anger, and defeat. But through you, I learned how to manage those tough moments. Sometimes, it's just one of those days where you get 4 at-bats and strike out all 4 times. It sucks, but it happens to everyone. But, you taught me that I get to choose how I will respond to it. I make that decision. And today, as I feel defeated and heartbroken and confused, I choose to celebrate those 17 years and leave those bad feelings behind. You make me happy and that's how I will remember you.
You gave a little girl a chance to fulfill her dreams. And so today, I pay my respects to you. You gave me moments that I will hold onto forever, both on and off the field. You have brought my family (both immediate and extended) even closer together through the tournaments I've played around the country. You showed me the grit and grind it takes to work for something you want, and the joy of having it pay off. You've given me the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But more than anything, you've been my rock. You brought me to Pitt; you allowed me to study engineering and do athletics at the highest level; you provided me with the 11 pm therapy sessions in the batting cages; you were always there for me when I needed you most; you have helped guide me through life.
Our journey together doesn't end here. I will carry you and the lessons you've taught me for the rest of my life. I will always smile looking back at the memories and good times you've given me. But above all, you will live on through the life-long bond you've created between me and my sisters. This second family you've given me is something most don't get the opportunity to have, and even more so, can't understand. The years and years of going to battle with my sisters on the field, but more often, having their backs in the rest of life. These are people that can make any place feel like home because of the love we share with one another.
It is thanks to you, softball, that I have been given these privileges—teammates that are now sisters, coaches that are now life mentors, and a game that has changed my life forever. I wouldn't trade any of what you've given me for the world because you are my world.
I love you forever, Softball. Thank you for the past 17 years.
Kaitlyn Kruger #7
I write to you with tears in my eyes because my days of spending hours and hours with you are now over. I don't write this letter like most in the past—approaching the end of conference play with an excitement about what postseason holds; I write this to you knowing I've hung up my cleats for the last time. Suddenly and devastatingly, you were ripped from me by something out of anyone's control. But if you've taught me anything, it's this: it's not your circumstances that define you, it's the way you respond. I will hold my head high and know I gave you my all for 17 years. I thank God for you every day and for the way you've impacted my relationship with Him and those around me.
Softball, you gave me the best 17 years I could have ever imagined. No, it wasn't all happy memories. There were lots of tears, and frustration, and anger, and defeat. But through you, I learned how to manage those tough moments. Sometimes, it's just one of those days where you get 4 at-bats and strike out all 4 times. It sucks, but it happens to everyone. But, you taught me that I get to choose how I will respond to it. I make that decision. And today, as I feel defeated and heartbroken and confused, I choose to celebrate those 17 years and leave those bad feelings behind. You make me happy and that's how I will remember you.
You gave a little girl a chance to fulfill her dreams. And so today, I pay my respects to you. You gave me moments that I will hold onto forever, both on and off the field. You have brought my family (both immediate and extended) even closer together through the tournaments I've played around the country. You showed me the grit and grind it takes to work for something you want, and the joy of having it pay off. You've given me the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But more than anything, you've been my rock. You brought me to Pitt; you allowed me to study engineering and do athletics at the highest level; you provided me with the 11 pm therapy sessions in the batting cages; you were always there for me when I needed you most; you have helped guide me through life.
Our journey together doesn't end here. I will carry you and the lessons you've taught me for the rest of my life. I will always smile looking back at the memories and good times you've given me. But above all, you will live on through the life-long bond you've created between me and my sisters. This second family you've given me is something most don't get the opportunity to have, and even more so, can't understand. The years and years of going to battle with my sisters on the field, but more often, having their backs in the rest of life. These are people that can make any place feel like home because of the love we share with one another.
It is thanks to you, softball, that I have been given these privileges—teammates that are now sisters, coaches that are now life mentors, and a game that has changed my life forever. I wouldn't trade any of what you've given me for the world because you are my world.
I love you forever, Softball. Thank you for the past 17 years.
Kaitlyn Kruger #7
Players Mentioned
INF/OF
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