When I was younger, I used to look up to college players like they were superheroes. They were celebrities in my eyes and I soaked up every bit of information I possibly could in hopes that I could eventually become just like them. Little did I know, I would be one of them.
In October, I was sent a message by THE Amanda Scarborough, a two-time All-American former softball player and ESPN analyst, explaining that she was looking for Division 1 college pitchers to assist her in coaching the very first Pitching Angel Experience. I was awestruck at the fact that my idol even considered my attendance in this event. I used to attend her camps when I was little, engulfing every ounce of her teachings as a player, and now I was presented the opportunity to work beside her from a coaches standpoint. I undoubtedly accepted her offer.
Player in 2014 Coach in 2022
Fast forward to December 27th, the first day of PAE camp, I walked in to "The Halo" Facility to see Amanda, along with many other former and present D1 players ready to inspire close to 70 ambitious pitchers and their loved ones from all over the country. In fact, these families traveled from 34 different states and 3 different countries. By learning this information, I knew this event was going to be undeniably special.
Day one turned out to be as magical as going to Disney for the first time. Energy radiated from each and every person who walked through those glass doors. One-of-a-kind merchandise was presented as every pitcher begged for their parent to purchase one of each item. Amanda shuffled around from table to table making sure the pre-camp process ran as smooth as she planned it to be. Our PAE adventure had officially begun.
On the turf, the campers introduced themselves to their group members, who patiently awaited for the teaching session to begin. I'd describe it as a time when you were in kindergarten and you unexpectedly become best friends with the classmates at your table on the first day of school. You don't know their background, where they come from, or if they have the same favorite color as you, but you know that they are going through the same thrilling experience as you. It's enough to realize that you both will be embarking on the same journey and it makes the whole greeting process that much more special.
Each day consisted of it own unique set of drills, games, and choice speeches. Specifically, on day one, Amanda's presented the motto, "Make it happen", to all the participants. She explained that every person in the building was "making it happen" already just by showing up. She urged them to keep "making it happen" by giving their all into every activity they faced mentally or physically. As a coach, I believed that introducing a vital phrase like this at the start of camp ensures what type of standards the pitchers are being held to. At the same time, I made a connection as to how I could use this motto in my own life. Sometimes it's easy to fall into the lull of an everyday routine in college athletics, however, taking one day at a time/one task at a time and "making it happen" makes the entire process more enjoyable.
Once we broke away from our joined meeting and into our small groups for drill work, I held myself to the same standard that every single pitcher would be simultaneously doing as well. I promised myself that I would donate my full effort into teaching each athlete who cycled through my station to the best of my ability while expressing a key energy model so each pitch would be deemed extraordinary. After all, these athletes were in "Pitcher Disney".
Throughout the next 3 days, I had the pleasure of observing each pitcher make huge strides mentally and physically. There's something extraordinary about watching them accomplish the little things and seeing their faces light up, knowing whatever they felt had clicked during a certain drill. It's times like these that make me realize coaching is far more valuable than what others see in the forefront. It's about guiding athletes to understand that they can do anything they set their mind to. It's about witnessing their potentials and helping them bring those to light.
This is exactly what Amanda exhibits in her teachings. She has a spark that lights up every room she walks into and never fails to make every person/athlete feel special. Even I still get excited to talk to her. Every single time she would speak during camp, all eyes of the players, as well as their parents, would be locked on her, soaking up each bit of information they could. They know how much guidance she possesses. I aspire to be the coach and person she has become and make an impact just like she does.
Amanda was not the only astoundingly talented athlete that made a large impact. Cat Osterman also made her appearance and her visit was special to not only the campers, but the coaches as well. She spoke about her own personal softball journey growing up and made the connection to what Amanda had been preaching by exaggerating how important it is to have hope and believe in yourself. Cat Osterman worked so hard for what she accomplished and I know hearing from her, the young pitchers felt extra motivated to strive for their dreams like she had. I hope everyone could get the privilege to hear her speak. She never fails to be awe-inspiring.
The final day of camp was just as radiant as the first. Energy bursted from all angles of the facility as we worked on power and velocity in the pitching realm. The pitchers embraced the high intensity drills almost like their life depended on it even though I knew they had to be exhausted and sore from the past couple of days. Even when I was a player their age, I had never experienced a camp that still had magic on the last day. This speaks a lot about what type of camps Amanda hosts. They are eventful, impactful, and always extraordinary because her coaching directly reflects her personality.
In the end, I know every member of that camp, even the parents, felt accomplished just because they were coached by the best in the game. Jointly, I felt just as proud to be a part of that talented group and impact the kids that are currently walking through my past journey.
To the kids that attended that camp, Keep working hard and don't ever let anything get in your way. Like coach Amanda said, Keep "making it happen" every single day and your dreams will become reality before you know it.
To my fellow coaches and incredibly talented pitching staff,
Thank you for continuing to make an impact and show each girl that looks up to you that they can be in your shoes one day. Keep giving back to the game.
To Amanda,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work beside you. I will always cherish your guidance, even from a coaching standpoint.
For those of you wanting to experience the next PAE camp you can join Amanda's waitlist through the link below!
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