"Thank You, and Until Next Time" - By Sydney Supple
6/8/2022 7:15:00 PM | Softball
I'll be honest I had to give myself time to finish this blog for my heart to start healing and emotionally process everything that transpired over the past week, but then I remembered Kate's advice before game two of the World Series: Be vulnerable. I decided to write this as openly and honestly as I can while everything is still raw because it is real. There is so much beauty to be held in realness. When Kate spoke those two words of advice to us, she was simply giving us permission to feel all the emotions–excitement, frustration, disappointment, and abundance of joy–that we each individually felt personalized to us, and to not shy away from putting ourselves out there with open hearts. Stepping on the WCWS field, I watched 20 women walk next to me with their heads held high on the biggest stage in college softball authentically themselves with open arms ready to embrace whatever the game had to give them. I feel as much pride in that now in reflecting on it as I did then. That didn't result in both games being perfect or going exactly the way we wanted them to, but it led us to leave everything we had on that field.
When the time came for us to step off the field, Kate was waiting for us so she could say how proud she was that we emptied our tanks. Now with that feeling comes a lot of heartache and pain that still brings me to tears in writing this; because we weren't ready to be done playing yet and each one of us would do anything for one more chance. That is how the game sometimes goes...it can let you feel on top of the world and humble you a few innings later, but it is better to live life going through highs and lows than to experience nothing in the middle by not putting your all into something. We gave the game every ounce of our body, dedication, and belief in all 58 games we played. I wouldn't have it any other way.
While it may take me a while to talk about this team before I get choked up, that is only because I was blessed to love a group of women so deeply. We worked for months to make it to the biggest stage in the game and experience what it felt like playing in front of 15,000 people and what a dream come true that was. After years as a child envisioning what it would feel like playing in the WCWS, I got to stand on that field and live that reality. I never wanted it to end. We felt so much love from our University, and to all of the people back in Evanston sending us messages and our incredible alumni who lived and died with us every pitch– we appreciate you so much. I have to elaborate on our alumni because they are so real! They didn't just show up and become invested when we made it to OKC, these relationships have been building for years and they have deeply woven themselves into all of our lives and given us every ounce of encouragement, celebration, and hugged us tightly when we needed it. Once you are a part of this program, you are in it for life with a group of women who will be there for you every step of the way throughout your career and life afterward.
This season is one I will always hold in my heart. It was not an easy one, but it was beyond worth it. With every obstacle thrown our way, we clawed our way through; we chose US against the world. I know for a fact we would give everything we had to live it all over again with this team together. To everyone who was a part of our journey, I love you dearly. It has been such an honor to wear purple alongside these 20 other women. For the ones not coming back, I can not wait to see the way you impact this world the way you have impacted our program, the game, and myself. To the ones returning, we know we want to be in Oklahoma City this time next year winning. Until then, it is time to look back and have a heart filled with gratitude. We poured our souls and bodies into this season and it led us to the Women's College World Series. I will stand proud to say what team I play for, and the University I represent as a Northwestern Wildcat.
Until next time Cats.
Sincerely,
Sydney #26
When the time came for us to step off the field, Kate was waiting for us so she could say how proud she was that we emptied our tanks. Now with that feeling comes a lot of heartache and pain that still brings me to tears in writing this; because we weren't ready to be done playing yet and each one of us would do anything for one more chance. That is how the game sometimes goes...it can let you feel on top of the world and humble you a few innings later, but it is better to live life going through highs and lows than to experience nothing in the middle by not putting your all into something. We gave the game every ounce of our body, dedication, and belief in all 58 games we played. I wouldn't have it any other way.
While it may take me a while to talk about this team before I get choked up, that is only because I was blessed to love a group of women so deeply. We worked for months to make it to the biggest stage in the game and experience what it felt like playing in front of 15,000 people and what a dream come true that was. After years as a child envisioning what it would feel like playing in the WCWS, I got to stand on that field and live that reality. I never wanted it to end. We felt so much love from our University, and to all of the people back in Evanston sending us messages and our incredible alumni who lived and died with us every pitch– we appreciate you so much. I have to elaborate on our alumni because they are so real! They didn't just show up and become invested when we made it to OKC, these relationships have been building for years and they have deeply woven themselves into all of our lives and given us every ounce of encouragement, celebration, and hugged us tightly when we needed it. Once you are a part of this program, you are in it for life with a group of women who will be there for you every step of the way throughout your career and life afterward.
This season is one I will always hold in my heart. It was not an easy one, but it was beyond worth it. With every obstacle thrown our way, we clawed our way through; we chose US against the world. I know for a fact we would give everything we had to live it all over again with this team together. To everyone who was a part of our journey, I love you dearly. It has been such an honor to wear purple alongside these 20 other women. For the ones not coming back, I can not wait to see the way you impact this world the way you have impacted our program, the game, and myself. To the ones returning, we know we want to be in Oklahoma City this time next year winning. Until then, it is time to look back and have a heart filled with gratitude. We poured our souls and bodies into this season and it led us to the Women's College World Series. I will stand proud to say what team I play for, and the University I represent as a Northwestern Wildcat.
Until next time Cats.
Sincerely,
Sydney #26
Softball - Lauren Boyd Tosses Complete Game Shutout, 'Cats Blank Kentucky in NCAA Regional (5/16/25)
Friday, May 16
Softball - 'Cats Storm Back, Secure Series Victory at No. 8 UCLA (5/4/25)
Sunday, May 04
Softball - 'Cats Earn 8-0 Run-Rule Win at No. 8 UCLA (5/2/25)
Saturday, May 03
Softball - Kaylie Avvisato Hits Walk-Off Home Run, 'Cats Take Series vs. Wisconsin (4/27/25)
Sunday, April 27
