Kristen Pickens is a senior catcher on the Union University Softball team. She is also the Union Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President and Gulf South Conference SAAC Chair. Kristen is from Jackson, Tenn. and a former University School of Jackson standout.
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A word of encouragement to all athletes:
Two days ago, I put on my practice clothes and drove to the field. I greeted my teammates in the locker room with a giant smile (as I do everyday since it such a blessing to see them) and we laughed and talked about the day we had at school. We went out onto the field, the sun was shining, and our practice music was playing. Obviously, we were also dancing. We practiced our defensive plays, did hitting drills, ran conditioning, and enjoyed being able to improve and work hard to get better. We were preparing for battle this weekend. As I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin, smelled the wet grass in the outfield, got dirt on my hands, and felt that softball on my fingertips, little did I know that that could have been our last practice together as a team. That could have been my last practice as a senior. Today, as we met in the locker room, our coach discussed the current situation that every athlete in the world is going through right now, and reminded us that we are not alone in this chaotic time. As we discussed what this season might look like for our team and what that might look like for next year, we were reminded of how much control we actually have in this situation.
And the answer is none.
This is the time when we have to put all of our faith in God. It can be scary…the unknown. But we have no idea what the greater plan is. There is a reason behind all this madness. As a senior athlete, all I'm thinking is "Wow, I was already dreading saying goodbye to my team on senior day in couple weeks, I can't believe that I might be saying goodbye to the whole game TODAY." "Do I take another year of eligibility or do I start my career in the real world?" "I can't believe we were on track to the championship and don't even get a chance to finish what we've been preparing for all year."
But, when you put things into perspective, there are people around the world physically dying and facing way tougher challenges than we are right now. Yes, sports just got taken away from the whole world, and that does not take away from the weight of that loss and the sadness that is rightfully flooding the hearts of every athlete. This is a very tough time for all of us. Sports are the driving force of energy behind our day. But, our identity is not in sports. It is what we do, not who we are. It may feel like your life is over, but it is not. Some people's lives are actually in danger because of this worldwide disease. Your sport is not your life. What we are facing is way bigger than sports. It is so beautiful to see athletes from rival schools coming together over the fact that we all share a love for the game, and we all want to hear "play ball" again so soon. To hear the words "play ball" is something I didn't know I took for granted. If that is in the plan, it will make it that much sweeter to run out on that field again. If it's not in the plan, God is still good. Let me say that again: If not, He is still good. Moving forward, we will take it day by day, choose faith over fear, peace over panic, and love above all. There is hope and there is light to every dark time. Here's to the athletes out there struggling. I am with you. Love on your teammates and remember to be thankful to be healthy and alive!
