Diary of a Softball Mom - Creating Magical Memories at the Field

by Sarah Hickner, Staff Writer and HRYS Coach

Herndon Reston Youth Softball players Essie Hickner (left) and Ruby Miller (right) Photo by Sarah Hickner.

A large part of my growing up years were spent at the ball field. My two older brothers played

baseball, which meant most afternoons and Saturdays were spent in the dirt pile between fields.

At nine years old, my parents signed me up to play softball. That first year my brand new cleats stayed squeaky clean. The bench had a designated spot on it just for me, and when I was invited out of the dugout it was to stand in the grass at the edge of the outfield. It was a slowstart, but I’d seen my brothers earn their spots on the field, and I knew I could, too.

The next season, I was drafted to a new team. Coach Andy gave me a chance to play in the

infield, and eventually I got pretty good at the sport. Jenny, Maggie, and Emily became some of my best friends, and somehow Coach rigged the system so we always played together.

When people ask me what growing up was like, some of my favorite, magical memories were my friends and the orange dirt of the softball field.

Two years ago, when my daughter was seven, I heard about Herndon Reston Youth Softball.

Similar to my own childhood, she’d been dragged along to her older brother’s games. Now it

was her turn. I found the HRYS website and signed her up, checking the box to be an assistant Coach.

That first practice was awkward. We met at Haley Smith Park in Herndon. The team had been

together since they were five years old, and we were the newbies. There was confusion,

frustration, and tears. I wondered if the magic of my childhood would be torture to her. What if

I’d made the wrong choice? But we’d committed, so we kept showing up.

Midway through the season, the team of strangers became friends. My daughter laid out her

softball clothes the day before practice or a game, because she couldn’t wait. After games, we called grandparents to boast about a big hit or play.

It’s been two years since I first signed up for softball with HRYS. I’ve watched my daughter

strike out numerous times, and I’ve screamed my head off when she hit her first [in the park]

homerun. She’s missed easy plays and made hero catches. She’s learned new skills, handled

disappointment and victory, and taught new players the ropes.

For an hour and a half, we step on the field, and there is no TikTok or Youtube (although

occasionally I catch the girls doing silly dances in the dugout or outfield). It’s orange dirt and

friends. Victories and disappointments and trying again next time. It’s cheers from the dugout

and hand slaps at home plate. Softball is the magic of our childhood that we can gift to our

daughters.

Herndon Reston Youth Softball is a volunteer-run organization. Spring registration is open now for ages 6 and up. For more information, go to https://hrysfastpitch.demosphere-secure.com/