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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Game Highlights Polymers Stars vs Curly Tail
Polymers Stars 8
Curly Tail Stars 5
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FREEPORT, Grand Bahama…More athletic opportunities are lost because of poor attitudes than poor grades two veterans of the softball diamond emphasised young ladies of the Rising Stars Girls Softball Development League during the opening of their 2014 season at the Grand Bahama Softball Diamond this past weekend.
Dr Sophie Rolle-Smith and Ms. Candace deGregory-Clarke, both of whom have gone on to enjoy success after softball, encourage the school girls ages 7-18, some from as far away as West End, “To sleep eat, and drink softball because that is what we did and must maintain good grade averages to get those scholarships.”
Ms. deGregory, a stalwart of Bahamas National Teams during her playing years, in a uncompromising presentation told the young ladies “Not to waste time with this sport if you’re not serious about succeeding”, and, “Treat it as you would any other aspect of your life. Give it your all every time you hit the field, and softball will better your life.”
She told the girls that “Because of softball I have travelled the world over as I am a classic example of hard work and determination. My accomplishments are many: just Google my name; they’re all listed.
“I can go on and on about the opportunities and the doors this great game of softball afforded me. The opportunities in softball are no different than basketball, baseball as this sport affords young ladies especially, a relentless amount of opportunities to pursue whatever profession or career that you aspire: including becoming a professional softball player, just like in baseball. You’re also offered full four year scholarships, travel privileges' and if you’re good enough like myself to be inducted into the ISF hall of Fame,” said the famed softball star.
Dr. Sophie Rolle-Smith related how her softball career got off to a slow start, being benched for the first three years she played here on Grand Bahama. “But,” she told the girls, “because of a positive attitude; because of me knowing that I could reach high on abilities, and because of the discipline I had throughout, I learned the game and softball, took me to university in North Carolina where I not only attained a degree, studied Theology and became a minister of the Gospel, but also coached the ladies softball team. This is what it took and you can do it as well. You have many example to follow; follow those examples that are good, that are promising to you and who knows you can end up being here as well,” said Dr Clarke
The athletes heard about being focused in their pursuit of a goal, and having a sense as to why they’re playing the game, what they want to achieve, and a positive attitude if you want to succeed for a bad attitude will run them out of the game.
“With discipline the possibilities are unlimited. Being benched should not lead to a negative attitude,” she said as she recalled how a coach from North Carolina, came here looking for players, learned about her from a taxi driver who recommended her. “With training and discipline I learned how to pitch, and that same focus and discipline got me a job at the Grand Bahama Port Authority at the age of sixteen.
“I might not be a member of the ISF,” said Dr Rolle-Smith, “but I’m a member of the God ordained community. I encourage you today be positive set your goals, reach for the stars. It may sound like a cliché but reach for them and you never know what your end result will be; do not settle for less, try your best…always.”
Rising Stars President, Yvonne Lockhart told parents, and, and friends of the programme, “Our goal is to develop well-rounded student athletes in preparation for those desirous of playing college softball, and preparing them for life outside of softball.
“Our name may have changed but our team of organizer is the same, ones who have a history of success in developing talents over the years. The Rising Stars Girls Softball League, is committed to training & developing the necessary skills to ready young ladies for a successful future on and off the softball diamond
“Our athletes will be exposed to home and away games in an effort to accommodate players having to travel from West Grand Bahama, thus bringing softball to the community. Our first annual Spring Invitational Softball Tournament is scheduled for April 24-26th. 2014,” she said as she invited the Grand Bahama community to come out and support these young ladies throughout the season.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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