Gemotions

"You're in right field, Maria," the softball coach said. Maria, the team's shortstop, felt an unexpected jolt of delight ripple through her. She felt like she could leap with excitement. She simply nodded.

Out in right field, she found a sense of calm she hadn’t expected. She scanned the field, every inch her responsibility, and took her position with a smile. The long throws to bases, the diving catches – each of them became an act of guardianship.

Her focus shifted from simply making plays to ensuring her teammates’ safety. Every time a ball was hit, her goal was to make sure her teammates wouldn't be put in harm’s way. The shared joy of a win, of another out, was enough. She had never felt this way before.