There are many athletes who strive to become the best in their sport. Whether it be basketball, football, swimming, or even lacrosse. Only the best of the bunch gets fame and recognition. For many high school athletes, this goal has been set in their minds since the day they touched a soccer ball, or the day they’ve watched the sport on tv. Leana Garnett is a student that plays softball, and her dedication and drive towards her sport displays bright futures and acknowledgment, just like anyone’s dream. 

Leana Garnett is known for her great performances in her softball career. Her journey started back when she was in middle school. She had just seen a couple of girls on her first day hitting a bat and throwing a couple of fastballs. “I immediately fell in love with the sport, it was like it was calling out to me, tempting me to play.” Her obsession with the sport soon grew after her father persuaded her to try something new. “At first, I was kind of wary about joining the team back in middle school, but I soon realized that this is what I was meant to do.” Her immediate dedication to her sport has made her discover new things about herself that she didn’t even know she could do. Each new day of practice brought her more and more skills. 

Continuously, although Leana’s record in softball has been great, she still managed to face challenges and courses that are affecting her to this day. “I am choosing to stay away from softball…” she stated, “I feel that after my performance this season, I would like to have a break from all the drama.” A couple of months ago, Leana noticed that she wasn’t doing as well in her sport as she intended. Her performance back in middle school was much easier to manage due to her exceptional showing. “I feel like the sport isn’t calling my name anymore, like it sort of just wasn’t there to begin with.” Yet, she still finds ways to be close to softball, even if she feels that she

 needs to let go of her dream. Yet, athletes are always faced with challenges that can change the perspective of sports. 

Now, even with Leana’s current circumstances and troubling attributes, she still found ways to conquer and provide victories in her career. For instance, the time she won the game for her team by hitting a home run and how everyone was filled with joy after a row of losses. Instead of feeling down on herself for her poor performance, she decided to do something about it and try and cheer up her team’s mood and status. “When Leana hit that home run, the team was hollering and going crazy! I knew she had it in her,” stated coach Haily, Leana’s coach. (Leana’s coach) was very surprised to see that Leana’s performance was rather ethical.  

As you can see, playing sports has many different effects on every person. Whether it be on difficulty, mindset, sportsmanship, or even attitude, athletes are constantly faced with challenges or fork in the roads that need accomplishing. Even family members are helpful attributes into “making it big” in the real world. So, Leana’s journey certainly wasn’t the easiest, but she will remember all of the times she hit a home run or the first time she ever touched a softball. “I can leave softball, but softball will never leave me.”