The Final Inning: Grit, Glory, and the Gift of the Game

There's a bittersweet beauty in watching a chapter close, especially one that's been thirteen years in the making. Sitting alone in the bleachers after my daughter's high school softball awards night, tears streaming down my face, I found myself overwhelmed not with sadness that it was over, but with profound gratitude that it happened at all.

This journey through softball fields and dugouts has taught me far more than how to keep score or pack the perfect game day snack. It revealed profound truths about perseverance when facing challenges like flooded fields and tough seasons. It demonstrated how true leadership isn't about wearing a captain's badge, but about the energy and encouragement you bring to others. And most powerfully, it showed how attitude becomes the ultimate game-changer – not just on the diamond, but in life.

From watching my daughter draw dragonflies in the dirt to honor her grandmother, to celebrating that game-winning home run bunt, each moment built toward something bigger than trophies or statistics. Whether you're a parent approaching the end of a childhood chapter, a leader navigating team dynamics, or someone simply trying to play your best game in life, these lessons resonate: grit wins long-term, teamwork multiplies strength, your attitude is your superpower, and the small victories deserve celebration too. The final scoreboard doesn't define success – the heart you bring to the game does. Share this episode with someone standing at the end of their own meaningful chapter, and remember: though seasons end, the impact of how we live them endures forever.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Book Promotion
• 1:10 The Last High School Game
• 2:39 Reflections on Thirteen Years
• 4:32 Four Life Lessons From the Field
• 8:34 Five Things to Carry Forward
• 12:45 Cherished Moments and Final Reflections
• 14:37 Message to My Daughter
• 15:00 Episode Closing and Call to Action

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Hi friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast designed to encourage, inspire and equip you to intentionally live your life full of purpose. I'm your host, holly Kirby, motivational speaker, leadership cultivator, marketing strategist and personal cheerleader. Let's check out today's highlights. Looking for your next meaningful summer read, facelift Embracing Hope Through your Heartaches is the perfect companion for your beach bag or book club. This powerful, honest and inspiring journey explores how we find strength in the middle of life's toughest seasons and how hope can rise from heartbreak. Whether you're soaking up the sun or gathering with friends to dive deep into real conversations, facelift offers a heartfelt reminder that healing is possible and beauty can emerge from broken places. Grab a copy today wherever you purchase books, including your local bookstores, online retailers and even Amazoncom, and start the summer with a story that will uplift, challenge and stay with you long after that. Last page Book club discussion guides are available in each copy. A portion of all proceeds is donated to Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Speaker 1: 1:10

Hi friends, today's episode is a tribute not just to a game, but to a journey 13 years in the making, to a young woman who's hung up her cleats and to every parent who's ever stood or sat behind the fence, heart pounding, cheering on their child. I recently watched my daughter play her last high school softball game as a senior. And not just any game they made it to state. And as I sat in the bleachers cheering her on, I saw more than a player on a field. I saw a young woman who's grown into quite the leader, a fighter and an inspiration to all who know her. The very next day, we had her softball awards dinner and it marked the final chapter of something that has shaped our lives for over a decade 13 years of softball, 13 years of practices and late nights, game snacks and countless hours spent under the sun. After the celebration, I found myself back at the field, sitting in my seat, the one I've occupied for four years of high school games Just me, the empty diamond and that setting sun. And, to my surprise, as I sat there, feeling the soft breeze of the evening and watching the sun go down, just kind of reflecting on so many games at this field, so many memories, tears began to stream down my face, not only because it was over, but because I was so grateful that it happened. I just sat there crying out to God, overwhelmed with thanksgiving for every cheer, every heartbreak, every moment of joy and even frustration. For every inning I watched her pour her heart onto that field. For the friendships, the coaches who believed in her, the teammates and the families who became community. For my dad, who so supportedly sat by my side and so proudly would get down on a knee to capture footage each time she was up at bat so that he could then send her the footage with some tips for the next game. Oh, my tears of Thanksgiving turned into moments of worship as my prayers of gratitude transitioned to songs of praise.

Speaker 1: 3:12

There's a Bible verse that's been echoing in my heart lately that may resonate with you, and not just for parents and the bleachers but for anyone who's poured themselves fully into a season of life. It's Ecclesiastes 3.1, where it says to everything, there is a season at a time of every purpose under heaven. The season, this beautiful, unforgettable season, is now ending, and endings are hard. I think of a few episodes here on Holly's Highlights that I just may have to re-listen to myself, such as Embracing Emotions with the Seven Dwarfs in season five, episode 13. And of course, those post-event blues in season four, episode 25, and even how to deal with grief, season three, episode four. The ends, as hard as they may be well, they also make space for new beginnings and that's the hope that we can hold on to.

Speaker 1: 4:06

You know my daughter's freshman year in high school. We were just trying to get to know things the expectations, routines, how things are done, where we fit into it all. Then that second year season came, and that second season raised the bar for perseverance and teamwork and showing up when it mattered most. That second year, her sophomore year, was rough. The field flooded, and not just with rain but sewage, and it flooded again and again and again. The grass had to be dug up and new grass put in. It was horrible. It was like playing in the weeds. It just wasn't even safe. Then, to make matters worse, the school administration who was put over this was retiring that year and honestly, he gave off the impression to the team and us parents that he just didn't even care. So the entire season they weren't able to play a single game on their field, not a single game, including that year's senior night for those graduating. It was so sad. We lost funds as we couldn't do banner sponsorships for the field. We weren't able to operate our snack shack. Costs increased as we had to spend more on buses to get the girls to other fields to play where what should have been our home games.

Speaker 1: 5:16

It was rough, but this wasn't just a season, it was a journey, one seemingly built on grit. That year her team faced those field setbacks, but also injuries, as some girls were out for a bit with concussions and other injuries. There was the rough losses and then just some tough competition. But you know, they didn't quit, they leaned in and they practiced harder. As legendary coach Pat Summitt once said, it's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome. That's what defines your career.

Speaker 1: 5:48

Well, you might not be dealing with a flood or an injury, but whether you're on a field, in an office, building a business or even raising a family, there are four things, I think, that we can all take away from the field. First, grit wins long-term. You know, studies show that grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, is a better predictor of success than talent or IQ. Angela Duckworth has done extensive research on this subject and she reminds us that passion for your work is a little bit of discovery, followed by a lot of development, and then a lifetime of deepening, followed by a lot of development and then a lifetime of deepening. This is not a sprint, but it's a marathon, just as my daughter's time playing this game was a 13-year journey. We dive deeper into goal setting in season two, episode one. But might we not forget that grit wins in the end?

Speaker 1: 6:41

Second, leadership is influence, not a title. Although my daughter played catcher and was designated co-captain, she didn't wear a captain's badge for all to see. Rather, it was her encouragement, her example, her energy that made her a true leader. We take a deeper look at leadership styles in season five, episode three, and we talk about how to be a leader. Others follow in season one, episode three, episode three, and we talk about how to be a leader. Others follow in season one, episode three. But then John Maxwell says the ability to influence those around, to reach above and beyond what they think is possible, is what makes great leaders. So don't wait to be given a title to be effective.

Speaker 1: 7:18

Third, teamwork multiplies strength. You know a solo home run is great. Teamwork multiplies strength. You know a solo home run is great, but softball, like life, is one in doubles, assists and the energy of everyone pulling in the same direction. Some of the most powerful plays I saw were when the team band together to support each other. You know, playing off each other's strengths and knowing each other's weaknesses so that they could be there to back them up. Just as the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work. Cheesy, yes, but ever so true. And fourth, your attitude is your superpower. There were games they should have lost, but her positivity kept the dugout alive. There was one game specifically that I recall, where my daughter hollered at the dugout and some parents thought she was asking for water. However, what she was hollering was for the girls in the dugout to get up off their hineys, to get excited and have some energy, and cheering on all the girls who were on the field, because she knew their attitude could impact that inning. That's not fluff, that's fuel.

Speaker 1: 8:23

Now, if you're navigating your own final innings in something perhaps a chapter, closing a child, graduating a project, wrapping up, here are five things to carry with you. One celebrate the small wins. Along the way, you know they do add up to the big ones those base hits, the stolen bases, the high fives and even the strikeouts. Every moment counts. Every memory is a piece of your story. So don't wait for the big wins to celebrate.

Speaker 1: 8:53

Zechariah 4.10 says do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Number two keep showing up when it's hard. Grit grows when it's tested. Now I only missed one game in 13 years and that was to care for a loved one. But the truth is, being there isn't just about geography, it's about presence In life, in love, in parenting. Be all in, not just on the sidelines, but there in the thick of it, whether it's cheering, driving, organizing, volunteering or simply listening after a tough loss. When we show up with our whole heart, god meets us. There.

Speaker 1: 9:32

We talk about the gift of being in the present in season three, episode 26. But then Colossians 323 reminds us whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord. Three surround yourself with people who push you and believe in you. There was a moment my daughter lost her love of the game, but when she had someone step in who showed her she believed in her. Well, she seemed to be revived. Just as Proverbs 27, 17 assures us, as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of another. Four play your game. Stay true to your strengths and your style.

Speaker 1: 10:13

The field has taught her and me, if I'm being honest about discipline, perseverance, teamwork, grace under pressure. Softball became more than just a sport. It became a classroom of character, and we talk about how to be a leader of character in season one, episode five. But then Romans 5, three through four does say that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope. And finally, don't miss the joy. This season, this moment, it only comes once.

Speaker 1: 10:52

Joy doesn't always come in trophies or top rankings either. Each and every game I soaked it up, although sometimes I joke. The game could be finished early, with a third inning ahead by 15 rule or the fifth inning ahead by 10 rule. But the truth is I could have watched her play all day, every day In fact. The first three years of high school I attended both the varsity and the JV games. Psalms 126.3 says the Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. These aren't just lessons for athletes, my friends. They're truths for life. I was blessed with many joys throughout the years watching my daughter play. Some tops from this year alone include her home run bunt that won the game. Finally capturing her on video, drawing her tribute of a dragonfly in the dirt during a game as she thought of her Momo, my mom, who passed away five years ago to glioblastoma brain cancer.

Speaker 1: 11:53

But one I will cherish the most is after her final game, making her way through the crowd to come and embrace me in the biggest hug. In that moment nothing else mattered. It wasn't about the win or the loss. It was about love, connection and the quiet ways our children show us how much they're watching, how much they care. That hug meant the world to me. That moment meant everything to me, and it's a memory I'll carry with me long after this season. So to the parents still on the stands keep going, keep cheering, keep praying. These days are fleeting, but their impact is forever. This time is sacred. And to those whose final out has already come and gone, like it has for us, know this the legacy doesn't end at the last game. It lives on in the character we've shaped, the love we've shared and the memories we've made.

Speaker 1: 12:51

And now to my daughter, gator Girl, from the first tee ball swing to your last at bat, from putting on your first catcher's gear you got after a fun shopping trip with your uncle, to being a fierce competitor at state, where we both came home with quite the sunburn, might we add. It has been my greatest honor to be your mom, your biggest fan and cheerleader, your biggest believer. Sweetie, you've played this game with your whole heart and with quite the hustle too. You've inspired me with your grit, your grace and your growth. You taught all of us watching more about giving it your all and leadership than we ever expected to learn from the bleachers. Watching you grow up on these fields has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Speaker 1: 13:38

And though the season has ended and this chapter is closing, know this what you've learned will take you places no scoreboard could ever track. I will always be in your dugout. I will always be in your corner. I will always be cheering you on, no matter where life takes you. Baby girl, I have known since you were a little girl at age three, asking me why God made me in charge that God had amazing plans for you. As one of your favorite Bible verses, jeremiah 29, 11 assures for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. So walk into the next chapter with your head high, your heart open and your faith strong. The game may be over, but the next chapter of your journey is just beginning.

Speaker 1: 14:31

As coach John Wooden said, success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction and knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you were capable. Friends, whether you're raising a child, leading a team or even chasing a dream, remember this the final inning doesn't define the game. The heart you play with does. So. Go play your game, leave it all on the field and savor every swing.

Speaker 1: 14:59

Thanks for joining me today. If this episode touched your heart, would you please share it with someone who needs the encouragement, perhaps someone who is standing at the end of their own chapter? And to all the athletes and parents wrapping up a season well done. You've already won more than you know, and until next time, keep enjoying your journey, stay rooted, stay grateful and keep showing up. Thank you for joining me on this journey of life. I hope that today's highlight has been encouraging, inspiring and equipping so you can go out and live your life full of purpose. I'd be honored if you'd take a moment to leave a review or, better yet, subscribe. We can also stay in touch by joining my email list at holly kirbycom. That's H O L L Y C U R B Ycom. Until next time. Make it a great day for a great day.