On three! Ready one, two, three … Team!

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Every high school softball player dreams of hitting a game winning home run or making the game-ending catch. However, the actual feeling of the ball on your bat or in your glove is not the feeling girls like me remember and cherish for the rest of our lives. In fact, those physical feelings quickly fade.

lt's the warmth in your heart when you call “hands in,” and get to glance around at the faces of your beaming teammates. Its the uncontrollable smile that you can’t wipe off your face as someone yells a silly inside joke from the dugout when you’re up at bat with two strikes against you. Its your pounding heart as you run the bases, finally touch home plate and see your best friends in the world screaming, jumping and all wanting to hug and congratulate you.

There is truly no better feeling in the world than being a member of a team.

I’ve been playing softball for as long as I can remember. One of the most dedicated people I know, my dad, coached me and many of my friends through the Little League program for many years. 

Growing up, it was my dad who would take me to the batting cages to practice my swing or have a catch with me in the backyard until I caught every fly ball he could throw. But more importantly than good hitting and fielding technique, he taught me the importance of working hard and my honoring commitments. 

This year marks my third and final year as a Hewlett High School varsity softball player and I am determined to end my career with good vibes and positive memories. So far this season, our team has become increasingly competitive as we’ve come face to face with some of our talented neighbors.

After a tough loss against Great Neck South to begin the season, our team came together to beat both Lawrence and Roosevelt in two fairly close games. Malverne put up a good fight, beating us in a tight game at home, but we drove a long way to beat North Shore and climb back up the rankings after one of the greatest softball games I’ve ever seen. 

Our next big games will determine the team’s standing in the conference, and I am looking forward to challenging some more good teams.

I am very grateful for the experiences I have had playing softball all my life. Competition forever lives among my teammates, within my home, and inside of me, as this sport has truly brought out my motivation and drive to succeed. This year marks the bittersweet end of a long journey, and I am looking forward to the rest of the season with my team.

  

 Elefante plays first base and bats fourth for the Bulldogs.