2007 Summer All Star Season News
 

Monroe Softball 11/12's Capture Little League District 2 Championship

For the Love of Their Game: by Paul Crisci

As Americans, too many times in life we looking back on situations and find ourselves asking, why did I do this? Whether it is the changing a job, an argument with a friend or the decision to order a Big Mac instead of a Quarter Pounder, somehow we find ourselves perplexed by the choices we make.

Last summer twelve young ladies attend a one day tryout with the hopes and dreams of earning a position on a local town all-star softball team. Each one of them hoping and praying that somehow, someway they would be chosen for the Monroe All-star team.

Prior to tryouts the decision to coach this team of uncertain destine dangled in the faces of many. With the understanding of the enormous commitment, most, including myself asked, “Why do I want to do this?” On July 9th 2007 the answer to that question was clearly apparent when those very same young ladies were crowned Little League’s 2007 District champions.

As adults our lives are filled with so many things that we sometimes forget how unbelievably rewarding it is to take the time to mentor the future of our country. Although softball is only a sport, it is, like all youth sports, the opportunity to be a positive influence in the life of a child. Regardless of the level of talent that attended the tryout, each young lady walked on to the try-out field as an individual but shortly after became a teammate, a friend, an all-star and a champion.

Looking back, although fleeting, every moment was a life treasure. Whether it was the emergence of Kyla Cannon and Gianna Iannoti’s powerful hitting, the drawn walk by Michelle Devito to load the bases, the impossible game saving catch by Kristina Halko, the flawless defense at first base by Megan Fitzgerald, the over the shoulder catch against Fairfield by Nicole Fichetti, the combination of Kayla Champagne, Ashley Fedor and Allyssa Janco to save the tying run in the championship game, the impossible game saving defense of Allison Cloutier in the championship game and of course the nearly perfect pitching and shortstop combination of Melissa Peet and Marina Crisci.

To every parent, teacher and coach, the next time you are having a bad day, week or month and you ask yourself why am I doing this? Remind yourself that it is for the love of their game.