The brown dirt, the freshly cut green grass, the stands filled with eager supporters, the smell of nachos and hotdogs in the air… the game of softball. Junior Rebecca Peirce has a love for this sport and what it’s done for her outside of the field.
“My relationship with my family has strengthened due to the countless hours spent on the softball field,” Rebecca said. “I think it is the relationships formed and strengthened over the years that make softball such an important part of my life.”
For many, sports can be a relief for stress and struggles. Rebecca also finds it as a relief for her, and a time to not have a care in the world.
“When I am on the softball field or in the dugout, it’s as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist,” Rebecca said. “It is a very liberating feeling to be able to focus on this one thing.”
Excelling in the classroom is a must for athletes, and Rebecca has learned to balance both worlds.
“I feel that my success on the field and in the classroom is largely due to determination and hard work,” Rebecca said. “Growing up, I was taught to identify my abilities and talents and use them to benefit others. I find satisfaction in succeeding both on and off the field.”
At times, balancing both school and sports can be hard to do. Remembering how to handle these situations gets Rebecca through them.
“At times it can be difficult to balance both school and softball, but when those times come, I remind myself to focus on living today and tackling tomorrow when it comes,” Rebecca said.
With sports come the fans, and Rebecca is grateful for her supporters on the team, out in the crowd, and the man upstairs.
“Bryan High softball fans do a wonderful job of supporting and cheering for the team,” Rebecca said. “While I am on the field, I do my best to support and work for my teammates and for the people in the stands because I know that they all support me. It is truly a great thing when you can go and play this sport not only for yourself, but for your team, your fans, and God.”
Many learn and take life lessons from their involvement in sports, this is true especially for Rebecca.
“My involvement in softball has taught me to balance my priorities,” Rebecca said. “I have learned the importance of communication and teamwork and also how to battle through tough times and keep a positive attitude.”
Softball coach Enrique Luna has nothing but positive things to say about Rebecca, and says that her leadership skills are worthy of admiration.
“Rebecca does an outstanding job of controlling her emotions,” Luna said. “She remains cool under pressure. She leads the team no matter what is happening.”
Being a good role model to others can be difficult, but Rebecca handles it with composure.
“Rebecca does a great job being able to keep up with it all, and she is an incredible young lady who our younger athletes and her teammates can really look up to,” Luna said.
Many athletes have their favorite sports moments, and one especially comes to mind for Rebecca.
“My freshman season is one that truly stands out,” Rebecca said. “For the first time in my life, I got to play alongside my sister, and that was an amazing experience. During that season there were three sets of sisters on the team. In one of the games, all six of us were on the field at the same time, and that was a very fun game!”
Aside from sports, Rebecca is involved in many other activities.
“Besides softball, I enjoy singing as a member of the Bryan High Choir and playing the piano,” Rebecca said. “I am also very active in my church and youth group.”
Strong bonds are important for any team, and the softball team definitely shares a unique one.
“The bond that is present throughout this team is very special,” Rebecca said. “I feel as though the girls on this team have my back and I have theirs. We stand up for each other, help each other out, and build each other up.”
