Background...My 13 y/o has been playing highly competitive travel ball for the last 3 years. She is a talented player (starting SS, lead off hitter). However, she struggles with some anxiety and perfectionist issues and honestly she takes softball way too seriously. This fall she’s developed little league elbow and hasn’t thrown or hit the last 6 weeks. She’s does what she can at practice and goes to games to cheer on her teammates.

During this time it is the happiest and most care free we have seen her in a couple years. She isn’t stressing about softball or if she done enough work out outside of practice. Now, she comes home from school, rides her bike or goes for a run everyday. She seems to be genuinely loving life.

All this has been eye opening for us as parents. As softball is obviously a huge stressor in her life. We are strongly considering having her leave the world of competitive softball. Has anyone been in a similar situation? She’s always said he loves to play but now it feels as she only loved it because of the success and adulation for her performance on the field.

Hello all!
Is it me or have the umpires in youth sports just become arrogant, rude, and combative.
Cannot even ask them a question about a play without the threat of being thrown out. Last time I checked if no profanity or yelling at the umpire or showing them up it was totally acceptable to get clarification on a call.
And then cannot even have the decency to admit when they mess up they just get more mad as the game goes on.
Like they need to have some thicker skin because they get paid for their time and as a coach I am volunteering my time.

Daughter's been playing a few seasons. She played the best team in the league yesterday. What can we do to help her hit the ball further past there good players next time?