Softball and More

I love the sport of softball! I was given a talent to
play the game from God, but really believe it was the passion
inside to be my very best and my love for the game that made
the difference in getting me to the top level in my sport.
That and of course the fact that it was all part of God's
plan for my life!!
Softball was so much more than a game to me- it was a
place where lifelong friendships were made! Although
I no longer play softball, the sport continues to give
back to me! I want to highlight two young softball players
who I am so impressed with. It's one thing to have talent,
and it's another to be a positive influence to those around
you. It's something special to stand for what is right
and be respected by so many. These two young ladies are
making a difference and are living lives full of purpose.

The first one is Chloe Contreras:

I met Chloe when she was 9-years-old and I gave her hitting lessons.
After getting to know the family, I became Chloe's godmother.
As I have watched Chloe over the years, I have been most
impressed by her conviction to stand up for what she
believes in. She refuses to be a follower and yet loves
those who are all around her. She has made the right
choices, even when it's been hard! She is choosing to
honor God and I am so proud of her. She even has this
verse on the back of her letterman's jacket: "I Love
You, O Lord, My Strength. . Psalm 18:1". I know God is going
to do big things through Chloe! He already has. Chloe
was given a 3% chance to live when she was born and her
mother was told to say goodbye to her. God had different
plans and Chloe's life is a miracle. This is what she has
written on her facebook page:
"Hey I am the girl that hates to cry, but loves to laugh.
I am a Christian. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I
play softball and I have been to Italy and Australia with
my International Team. I am very blessed and grateful for
these opportunities." Chloe Contreras

Chloe- I am so proud of you!!!


The other girl I want to talk about is Kassy Shiotani.

I just met Kassy today. I was asked to be on a board to
vote for scholarship winners for So. Cal ASA. I reviewed
about 40 applicants and was asked to pick my top 5. The
scholarship money is given to athletes who excel on the
field and also in the classroom and who give back to their
communities. Many of these young ladies were so impressive
and are making a difference. But Kassy really stood out to
me as I read Letters of Recommendation on her behalf that
were sent in. Kassy will be attending Harvard this year
and competing on the softball team. Kassy had a GPA of 4.36
and was ranked #2 in her class out of 668 students. Pretty
impressive! But more impressive is a story that her HS
counselor shared. Here's what was shared:

"Kassy was nominated for Homecoming Queen. As part of this
honor, Kassy was asked to select a member of the faculty to
escort her during the introduction portion of the ceremony.
Most students chose their favorite, or the most popular
teachers, administrators or coaches. I was deeply touched
when I learned that Kassy asked our lead custodian to escort
her. They are great friends because she has taken the time
to get to know Darrel. From Kassy, you can expect the
unexpected as she stays true to her convictions and is not
afraid to take the road less traveled."

Even Kassy's travel ball coach wrote that "whether she (Kassy)
knew it or not at the time, she was able to help guide me in
a positive direction when I was searching for some answers
in my life. Kassy became more than a player and became a
mentor as she welcomed me into her spiritual family and
brought me closer to God. . .a gift that I can never repay."

Kassy herself wrote, "I am so thankful for the opportunities
that God has blessed me with and the doors he has opened for
me". This is a young lady who is confident in her faith
in God. She is a positive influence to all those around
her. I am so excited for what God has for her!

We will ALL make a difference if we choose to live a
life that honors God.