What Inspires Us?

We all have that one thing that inspires us most. For some, it's our parents and for others it is a quote or idea. We all have something ignites our fire and helps us on our journey to greatness. This week we asked our players to tell us what inspires them to play the game of softball with passion and intensity. Their responses really showed their heart and their love of the game.

The goal of trying to be the best that I can be or striving to do better than my best is what inspires me. The will to try and be better than my best is what motivates me to take an extra rep, to wake up a little earlier and get more work in, to keep going when I feel like I can't go on anymore.- Vanessa Washington









"Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. 
Be careful." This quote by John Wooden helps me to remember the greater aspects in life. Everyday that I get to play softball is a blessing and so I continuously work hard and play each game like it's my last, leaving everything out on the field.- Sabrina Quarles










I play because I fell in love with the game when I was young. It's always been my safe haven, a place where I can be myself and do what I do best. I play for my parents and myself as they have helped me to get where I am today. This sport challenges me to do my best and overcome failure. It has taught me many lessons and skills that I am able to apply to the real world. I am grateful for everything it has taught me and will continue to teach me in the future.- Jasmine Melgoza








"If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great." This quote by Tom Hanks has motivated me to embrace the game and the adversity that comes along with it. While juggling the challenges of consistency and positive mentality, softball has taught me to look failure straight in the face and compete with it. Not many people can do that. - Khaliyah Flournory








"Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9. This verse inspires me to play because believing in this verse allows me to play freely. I don't play for myself, I play for God. He gave me the ability to play and for that I play for Him.- Tara Tursellino









My teammates are what inspire me to play. Watching them give their all and nothing less whether it's at practice or a game and seeing them trying to do whatever possible. It pushes me to try to be a fierce competitor and it makes me want to get better for them.- Kaleigh Berry










"Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back...play for her." This quote by Mia Hamm is what inspires me. I remember failure after failure as a kid, and I remember all the people who told me I couldn't or wasn't good enough. Those people and memories are what inspires me to play and continue getting better even when things seem too hard.- Hannah Shields








I play softball for the little girl who fell in love with the game. I continue to play because it has been my whole life and I wouldn't know what else to do without it. Many people inspire me to play, my dad being one of them. He put the first baseball in my hands when I was a baby. He is my biggest fan and I strive to make him proud of me. A bible verse that keeps me going is Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for human masters." I believe I was made to play softball and this verse helps me to push myself everyday to get better.- Jordan Casey






"When you've got something to prove, there's nothing greater than a challenge." This quote by Terry Bradshaw sums up what inspires me to play. I play to have fun and also to prove that I am an athlete deserving of playing at the D1 level. With that, all the values I've learned by playing softball such as hard work and perseverance can be used in other aspects of my life.- Mika Lumsden








What inspires me to play is the people I have been surrounded with. I grew up in a family ruled by softball. Both of my sisters went to play ball at the D1 collegiate level. The way both of them have always respected the game and played with passion throughout ups and downs of their careers has inspired me to want to play the way they always have and to show respect for the endless opportunities it has provided me.- Micaela Cummings







"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. This bible verse reminds me to work hard not only for myself, but for my teammates. My family inspires me to work hard and play the game which ultimately gives me the opportunity to make them proud. That is something I strive to accomplish everyday. I know they are not looking for results, rather the strength I have to work hard and dedicate myself to the game. For this reason I eliminate self doubt and believe that through the difficulties I face, I have support and the strength I need to overcome any obstacles I face.- Jessica Shalongo.



What inspires you to be great? What motivates you to keep going?

Keep watch every Monday for a new blog from your DSU Hornet Softball Team