I call myself the spirit leader of the team although my spirit has been crushed a lot of times. My life isn’t perfect but then again, whose life is. I have been through a lot but I always walk around with a smile on my face even thought I feel alone inside. Living in the South Bronx has taught me that life can only take you so far and I must appreciate every moment before it’s too late. Growing up, I barely had a father figure in my life since my father left when I was you...

At 8 years old, I went to the doctor for a check-up. I remember my grandmother crying as they told me that I had thyroid cancer. I didn’t know what that meant for me so I was really confused. My grandfather had died from cancer so I didn’t know if that was going to happen to me. I had to have surgery to remove the cancer. The doctor cut a few inches across the lower part of my neck to take out the cancer. Recovering from the surgery took a long time and I missed school for a...n entire year. I was lucky to have support from my mom and older sister at the time. It was a really scary experience to be in the hospital for so long. I felt really nervous going back to school because I had missed so much and most of my friends had gone onto the next grades. For some reason, other kids started to make fun of me because of the scar on my neck. I didn’t cry but just felt really upset and wanted people to stop staring at me. My grandmother gave me a choker necklace that helped to hide my scar. It made me feel better but I knew the scar was still there. My grandmother means a lot to me. When I was 10 years old, she adopted me because my mom needed help. She didn’t want a total stranger to take care or adopt me. I wish I knew my dad but he left before I was born. I wonder if he knew that I had cancer, would he have been there for me? Being on the softball team has helped me with my trust issues. My coach has had cancer so he knows what I have been through. I have to take medications everyday and Coach always checks to see if I am okay. Even though this is my first year and I have only been on this team for a few months now, I feel like these girls can be like my sisters. I am 13 years old and in the 6th grade. I am excited to be a part of this team. I am J.J.

My team calls me “Ash” and this is my second year playing on the Lady Tigers. Sometimes I think and ask myself what did I possibly do wrong to make my dad walk out. Nothing I guess since it was HIS decision and what he thought was best for HIM. I noticed after being the only child for 10 years, things changed when my father had another daughter. I just knew that the day would come when my father would forget about his first born. I haven’t spoken to my father in a long time. ...He went from a full time dad to a part time to not being there at all. One day he will realize what he did wrong. I thank God that I still have my mom by my side. When I was in 6th grade I decided to join the softball team to not think about my father and have some peace. Of course I didn’t know how to play softball so I woke up early every morning so I could get to practice at 7 am. I have learned to never give up and to keep reaching for my goals. This team has taught me that I’m not alone when it comes to my problems. I have an amazing coach in my life and the girls are my sisters who care. Going to Chicago with my team was an amazing experience. When we first arrived on the bus, girls that we didn’t know ran to us with tears in their eyes. It was amazing because these girls actually cared about us. I learned in Chicago that winning is not the only thing that matters. It’s about having fun and enjoying time with family. Coach Astacio was just my teacher at first but then he became more than that. He is like a father to me and I am happy that I am part of this team. I am Ash and I will be forever grateful.

When I first came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2012, I had to leave my mother behind. She tried to enter the U.S. but they didn’t let her. She wanted me to have a better life so she let me go. My mother sent me to live with my grandmother in Massachusetts. I know my mom wanted a better life for me but I felt lonely, empty and really hurt because my mom wasn’t with me. I used to cry to sleep every night because I missed her. Even though I was with fa...

Before I joined the Lady Tigers, I was the type of girl that never behaved in school. I didn't do my work, was very disrespectful and didn't listen to anyone including teachers and principals. I just didn’t care about anything. I had a nasty attitude and was always cutting class. I was just always angry. Being on the Lady Tigers has given me people to talk to when I’m angry about something or at someone. It’s given me a reason to want to do well in school and complete my sch...oolwork. It’s given me a reason to change my attitude and something to look forward to everyday. One of my huge struggles in life is letting people in. I don't like when people try to come into my life. I have trust issues so it makes it hard to believe someone when they say they care about me. Sometimes I feel like nobody understands me. I try so hard to guard myself so that no one can see my emotions. I hate it when someone sees me cry because it makes me feel like I’m weak and I don’t like to be seen as weak. My coach is a really good person to be around. He never gives up on me even when I give him many reasons to do so. He understands my moods and just wants to see everyone happy. He tries so hard to be there for everyone all the time even though he has his own problems. He just wants to see us successful in life. I really appreciate him and what he has done for me. This was really hard for me to write but I did it for Coach. This will be my second and last year on the Lady Tigers. I played centerfield but this year I will be pitching. I am Star.

My name is Gigi and this will be my 3rd and last year on the Lady Tigers. I am the team captain, starting catcher and I proudly wear #17 since day 1. My life is far from perfect because I have been through a lot but I just hide it with a big smile on my face. While living in the South Bronx, I have learned that life is short and I have to enjoy every moment that I am alive. I used to live in Mexico and it was the worst years of my life. I was severely bullied by other kids w...

My name is Sammy “Sunshine”, I am team co-captain and I play first base for the Lady Tigers of NY. I've been on the Lady Tigers for 3 years and this will be my last year since I will be graduating in June. Softball has changed my life in so many ways and it still continues to do so. Growing up in the South Bronx was rough for me. I grew up hiding many secrets from my parents including the fact that I self-harmed. Depression would take over me and I got so used to keeping it h...