Today we’d like to introduce you to simone sherrard.
Hi simone, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was just an 8 year old girl standing on a softball field in her orange and royal blue colored, polyester blend jersey with no idea what this game had in store for me. I had no idea the doors it would open or the people that it bring into my life. After all, it was just a game, or so I thought. That little girl grew to love softball and couldn’t wait to go to practice and heading to the field for game day was like going to Disneyland. I didn’t think I could love softball more but the more I learned the more I loved the game. I was obsessed. A couple of years into my career, softball opened a new door to me and I became a pitcher. Being a pitcher taught me lessons that I will never forget and took me places I couldn’t imagine. It strengthened my family bonds and forged relationships with people who went on to become lifelong friends. I was blessed with some wonderful coaches who inspired me, pushed me, and let me grow as a person and a player. My coaches taught me more than how to play softball but they taught me how to be a good leader and the importance of giving back to the game that I love so dearly. Which is why moving on from playing to coaching was a seamless transition for me and just seemed like a natural progression. In teaching and mentoring, I discovered an entirely different side of softball and became obsessed again. I listened and observed every coach I possibly could (and still do) to become better. Now, I am committed to building a new softball community from the San Diego Women’s Fastpitch Softball Association (SDWFSA) that is built on passion for softball and sisterhood.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges our league faces is retention of players. Many of our players have families and often the women are relied upon to care for their families which leaves little time for themselves. Asking for players to set aside a few hours on a Sunday to play games can be asking a lot of some families. Some women also have jobs that are demanding of their time and it can be challenging for them to carve some time out on a consistent basis. Another challenge for us is overcoming the stigma that comes with fastpitch softball. When most former softball players hear “fastpitch” they think of their high school or college days and they have a certain ideal of what is required of them. Too often I hear “I’m too old to play” or the more common, “it’s been too long.” I always tell women, to come out to a game and they will see women of all ability levels and all ages. We are a fastpitch league and we do play our hardest and compete to win but we also have an understanding that this is an adult softball league and no one is playing for a title in Women’s College World Series.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As president of the SDWFSA I have the opportunity to not just honor the game but provide a positive space for women. The beauty of our sport is that it includes everyone. It doesn’t matter what size you are, what color your skin is or where you come from. Softball doesn’t care what your socio-economic background is or who you love or what religion you are. Everyone has a place here. It’s the one place I have always felt comfortable and that I belonged. Softball gave me my sisters and I can never repay the game for that. It has also given me a place to escape the stresses of the outside world. A place where nothing else can get to me, a sanctuary. I am committed to providing a space for other women to feel the same belonging and safety. Many of our players are full time professionals with jobs ranging from lawyers, to doctors, to project managers, and the military. Many other ladies are full time caretakers, stay at home moms and small business owners. Having a place where they can be themselves and escape the day to day hustle is crucial and I am in a distinct position to provide that. I am driven to give each one of the players a positive space to either fall in love with the sport all over again or help them discover a new love. I want all of our players to feel valued, seen, and welcome. In creating and maintaining this kind of space, we can lift each other up and share in our sisterhood with other leagues nation wide.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
It’s my firm belief that anyone can be successful at anything. It’s the measuring stick that varies from person to person. If someone is committed, works hard, and has faith in themselves they will be successful. These are the values that I try to live by and instill in others who I work with. By showing someone you have faith in them, you are empowering them to raise themselves up. Keeping a positive attitude instills confidence and encourages hardwork and commitment. These three traits don’t take talent or a special ability. They are something that everyone has and can do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdwfsa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDWFSAPres
