WOODBURY — The Nonnewaug softball team’s success won’t just measured by this spring’s win total, but rather, the memories that will undoubtedly be forged. 

When I hear the word “sports,” I instantly think of my softball seasons even though basketball was my first love. I’ve always been a lifelong basketball player, but two years ago I was presented a new option: “Arabella, you should try softball,” I recall a friend saying.  

Instantly, one thing was bouncing in my head: “I’m not going to make the high school team and probably gonna want nothing to do with this new sport.” 

But little did I know that softball would mean the world to me, and the friends and memories I made are priceless, immeasurably formative, and everlasting. 

Softball has also changed many student’s lives. For seniors Madison Ocasio and Hannah Searles, captains on the NHS softball team, softball means more to them than just a sport. 

“Softball gave me something to look forward to everyday after school,” said Searles. “It’s not like I have to dread going to practices. I actually like going to them and being with people I like and the sport I like.”

Searles is thankful for this sport because of all the awesome memories and friendships it gave her, and she is excited for her senior season to start in a short period of time. 

“We have a lot of good incoming freshmen this year,” said Searles. “We made up for a lot of the positions that we lost [to graduation] so I think we are gonna do well this year.”

Just days reside between now and opening day, and Searles and Ocasio understands softball’s place as more than a sport; it’s a refuge. 

“Softball taught me to overcome certain things in my life, like life challenges,” said Ocasio. “[Softball] taught me how to deal with my emotions and do things as a team versus not for myself.”

I can remember it vividly: “Arabella, you’re up.” I was petrified standing in front of that plate. My heart was racing and I had many thoughts in my head. After watching four balls, I went to first base for the first time. 

At that moment, on the basepaths, I had no idea what was going on after my teammate hit the ball. I ran all the way to home plate to score my first ever run. 

After my freshman season ended, I was so excited for my sophomore season as I came to realize that this game wasn’t a game, but instead an outlet, a place where relationships come to flourish.

With my junior season just around the corner, I’m encouraged to push myself the hardest I possibly can, making very few mistakes, and most importantly, making the best out of my junior season. 

If NHS’ legacy of supportive and mentoring seniors have taught us one thing it’s this: The experience of athletics can go by all too fast, but it’s in this narrow window of years that indelible relationships are forged. 

Thank you, softball, for all these opportunities, lifelong memories, and lifelong teammates.

This is the opinion of Chief Advocate reporter Arabella Rosa, a junior on Nonnewaug’s basketball and softball teams.