Thank you all for the very kind and thoughtful words.

Getting her to this point has been an evolution to say the least. This has been a full in commitment of time and money. WORTH EVERY MINUTE AND PENNY.

We've some things the hard way out of pure ignorance but we learned quick.

We've always been very loyal to Sarah's travel teams, to a fault. This level of play is expensive and requires at least one parent to be able to drop everything and travel, assist with fundraisers and volunteer with the team.

That one extraordinary person was my wife.

We got so caught up in Sarah's first travel team that we ultimately yet unwittingly placed Sarah's needs behind those of the team. In spite of our volunteerism and up to date payment history and Sarah's loyalty to the team, the coaches still culled her aside and she didn't get what she needed. Shame on me for allowing that in the first place. Sarah's needs came first from that point forward as we quit that team and moved on.

As I mentioned in my OP, her current travel team quickly identified her hard work, enthusiasm and skill potential. Over the past few years her coaches through the various age groups worked with her as a utility player. To this day she plays 7 of nine positions proficiently and that's mainly what keeps her in the game.

Her coach comes to me all the time and says "Tim, if I had 9 more Sarah's, my life would be a breeze".

Anyway, sorry to be a bore. They just returned from Maine yesterday and it's nice to have them home.

 

My daughter plays also, and is going to be a junior this year. I can only hope to have a story like this to tell. Congrats on your good works and good luck to your daughter.

 

Congratulations to Sara and family! I recognized that picture too. Sara looks like she has a lot of hustle. No wonder her 'ol man is so proud of her!

 

Way cool for a very proud dad....