Looking Back: Allison Sholds

The Looking Back series features Anna Maria College spring student-athletes and coaches to tell their story about what they will miss following the cancellation of the spring season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We celebrate our student-athletes and coaches by allowing them to share their stories and hope their own words can bring a positive light during these unprecedented times.

Written By Allison Sholds (Jr., 1B/3B, Methuen, MA/Essex Tech, Health Science)

PAXTON, MA - Coming to Anna Maria I knew I was going to play softball; it had been in my life for so long there was no way I wanted to give it up. I knew it was going to be difficult balancing everything between practices, lifts, study halls, and anything we had as a team. I was wrong there were all my teammates who were willing to help with homework if I needed it or just sending little words of encouragement before a hard test. I knew right then and there that this team is my family. Growing up I always had pushed myself even when I knew it was too far, but I did those extra reps of hitting or fielding because I knew, in the long run, it would make me better and stronger. You never know what might happen during a game or even practice. At the end of Sophomore season, I had gotten an injury while playing in a game that I thought would need strengthening and then be good to go my Junior season. I worked all summer when I strengthened my hand and worked hard with the trainers and my doctors. After countless days of rehab with the trainers, and working it on my own in my room, I felt ready for the season.

The first official practice of my Junior season was unfortunately cut short. I had an unbearable pain that just could not be ignored. I showed up every day to practices but instead of hitting or fielding, I was in the trainer’s room working on myself to become stronger and be on that field with my team.  That sadly did not happen. However, I am still grateful that my team stood by me each step of the way and made me feel part of the team, even when I could not do anything. When we started, we were a young team where only four had been returning (including myself), from previous years. We had to work hard to build that relationship and begin to trust each other and play as a team. When in Florida, that’s exactly what we did. We fought hard and had a taste of victory, it most certainly tasted sweet. I know that if we had kept going that we would have been a totally different team from last year.

I am going to miss the late games under the lights, the cheers from the dugout and the stands, my nonexistent voice after screaming during a game, the hardworking practices even if I still had to run, the conditioning that beat me but I kept going, and most importantly, the energy that we had since day one. I am thankful for my team that is always by my side on and off the field, Coach Sasso, who had hope in me since day one, my trainers that pushed me and kept the fire lit under me, and most importantly, my family who still went to every game even though I did not play.

I never pictured this in my head when I thought of missing the season. You never really know how much you love something until it is taken away from you. I not only think about this team but the other teams around the world who had to cut their season short. The Division I and II student-athletes, the professional teams, but most importantly the seniors. I was not going to have a season this year anyway, but it makes me not take things for granted. I will be ready for next season and what is yet to come with this amazing team.

STAY CONNECTED

For the latest on Anna Maria College Athletics, follow the AMCATS via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.