Hi everyone!
As most of you know, our team traveled to play in the city where I was raised, Louisville, Kentucky. This trip was one of my favorites of my career and I am so grateful that the opportunity took place.
After being born in Tucson, I moved to Louisville with my family at a young age. I went on to live there until I was 17 years old. So much of my foundation was built in that city and state, and to be able to play there again was a dream come true.
We played against the University of Louisville at their home facility, Ulmer Stadium. I was no stranger to that field. Several times in my middle school and high school careers I played on that same field, so you can imagine how bittersweet it was to do it one more time.
It was also neat because my high school regional tournament games were played at the stadium and I’m going to let you guess who I tended to play against every year at that facility. If you guessed Josh Bloomer, you’re correct. He was the head coach at Male High School, I played at Ballard High School, and the rivalry between programs was heated. Bloomer had always found a way to beat us, besides one time where I hit a first inning home run to put our team up against his and we ended up winning later on. I will brag about that for years to come (ha ha).
Taking the field one last time at Ulmer was one of the most amazing experiences. But the best part about it? The people who came to watch. So many familiar faces came to a windy, rainy game to watch me play and see my family. Friends I’ve had since I was 10, my dad’s work colleagues who have kept up with me since I was in machine pitch, my middle school field hockey coach, former high school teammates and their now grown-up younger siblings.
After the game I was able to see and talk to so many people that made a huge impact on my life growing up. But at the same time, I was amazed to feel the impact I had on them as well.
The impact we have on others is so much more important than any statistic or number you can put up as an athlete. You remember those who made you feel seen, loved, supported, and appreciated. And they remember you.
Louisville built me. And I am proud to say I was raised there.
LINK: MORE IN THE ARENA WITH ALLIE SKAGGS
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