There's nothing better than working up a good sweat.
Jennie Finch
Try not to get lost in comparing yourself to others. Discover your gifts and let them shine!
A miracle is really the only way to describe motherhood and giving birth. It's unbelievable how God has made us women and babies to endure and be able to do so much. A miracle, indeed. Such an incredible blessing.
Try not to get lost in comparing yourself to others. Discover your gifts and let them shine! Softball is amazing that way as a sport. Everyone on the field has a slightly different ability that makes them perfect for their position.
I just feel like it gets harder and harder every year with Ace getting older and time away from my husband and even family events such as birthdays and friends' weddings and things that I've always just missed out on because of softball.
Growing up, I looked up to major league baseball players, and now these young women have amazing, incredible women all across the board, from swimming to gymnastics to softball to basketball. It is incredible how far women have come and women in sports have come.
Dad was the pitching coach, while Mom was the emotional supporter. Her unconditional love was great, and she wanted what was best for me. It was more about what she did than what she said, and she made sure I was the best I could be.
I try to squeeze in a workout whenever I can, even if it's doing squats with my 7-month-old in the kitchen or jumping on the trampoline with my 5-year-old.
Growing up, I watched softball and U.S.A .softball, and that was my goal of being able to represent my country and wear the red, white, and blue out there, and I think it is one of the highest honors to be able to go out there and compete for your country, and it was something so very special, and it was everything I dreamt of and more.
If I'm with my sons, I want to give them 100 percent. Whatever I am doing at that moment, I want to make the most of it.
I hate losing.
You don't take a class; you're thrown into motherhood and learn from experience.
When I was 12, I had a coach tell me I would never be a championship pitcher. That devastated me. I was crushed.
Right now in my career, it's like I'm having more fun than I've ever had, so it's kind of like, 'Man, I can't stop now.'
It's so empowering to see yourself as a machine.
This whole career has been way more than I ever even imagined or dreamed.
I mean, I love winning, but losing is a much more intense feeling.
I'm playing first base and pitching and hitting. I feel like I'm almost better than I've ever been. It's like, 'You're going to walk away like this?'
Throwing a ball is not natural, whether it's overhand or underhand.
I still think there are some pitches in this pitching arm, so I will continue playing with USA Softball, but knowing that this could be the last time a softball player stands on the Olympic podium and has the opportunity of experiencing this - it was emotional.
When I was a kid, I dreamed of using a bat with my own name on it.
Whatever I am doing at that moment, I want to make the most of it.
From what I hear, it's a normal thing to feel guilty as a mother, especially when trying to fill the needs of a newborn along with maintaining what you had with your first child.
There is nothing better than to make it to the College World Series. All of the extra reps in the weight room, all of the early morning practices, and all the hard work spent the entire year makes it worth it.
I loved being on the field playing and teaching softball. I didn't like the fact that a camp had my name on it and I didn't know the logistics of what was going on. I wanted to make sure I was involved in a camp that did things right.
I can't tell you how much I respect all the single parents out there doing it all solo.
When I lose, I take it very personally.
And my dad drilled it in my head, you know, 'If you want it bad enough, and you're willing to make the sacrifices, you can do it. But first you have to believe in yourself.
It's all about balance and, I think, being in the moment.
I love to run. I was challenged to run the New York marathon four months after having my youngest son, and since running isn't a big part of softball, the thought of a marathon was a stretch for me.
I've faced more than 35 major leaguers, and only two have ever made contact against me.
Growing up, I looked up to major league baseball players, and now these young women have amazing, incredible women all across the board, from swimming to gymnastics to softball to basketball.
It is incredible how far women have come and women in sports have come.
I try to not be too hard on myself regarding my diet. I've always been a workout-to-eat kind of a girl.
I was honored to wear 'Arizona' across my chest. I am extremely blessed to have my education completely paid for and take part in the great tradition of Wildcat softball. To have my jersey number retired was the ultimate compliment.
It is one thing to play for your university. It is another to play for your country.
I really like Dontrelle Willis' pitch; he's animated on the mound and is fun to watch - he gets into the game emotionally.
College was the greatest four years of my life.
I try to not be too hard on myself regarding my diet. I've always been a workout-to-eat kind of a girl. I like to eat, to say the least.
I love being outside with my boys, playing tag or trying to keep up with them.
My husband, after two weeks of dating, asked me, if our relationship were to work out, would I be OK with our first boy being named Ace.
You're not going to get off the couch and be at some amazing fast pace or burn crazy amounts of calories, but you have to start somewhere... Eventually, you'll get there.
Although it is disappointing that softball was not reinstated into the Olympics, we are going to continue to keep growing the sport.
College softball each year reaches new levels of interest.
Being fit and being in the best shape that I can be helps me be the best mom as well.
Softball has given me so much in life. It's taught me the kind of person I want to be, and given me a sweet sisterhood. It even led me to my husband.
I love the Olympics.
I'm pretty adaptable and can adjust to any environment.
Running a marathon is something I've always wanted to do.
Dad was the pitching coach, while Mom was the emotional supporter. Her unconditional love was great, and she wanted what was best for me.
