An interesting thing happened as we reached out to softball players all over the country asking them to share their sentiments and feelings for their mothers or motherly figures in their lives for today, Mother’s Day 2015.

We received over three dozen responses, some longer like the two tributes we posted earlier today, and some fantastic, heart-felt ones like those included below.

But many of the responses, surprisingly, were e-mails from athletes that included their thoughts about their mothers but asked us not to share publicly because they were very personal. To those who shared their letters with us, thank you, and we’re respecting your request to keep your expressions of love private.

Also, we received more than a dozen responses like this one:

“What I wrote felt like something that I should share just with her. It ended up feeling pretty personal, which I think is better anyways. I know my mom will be so elated that I decided to write her something.”

We appreciate that perspective greatly also.

It’s fun to read how different teen student-athletes feel about the importance of their moms in their lives, but if they can just let that “special someone” who’s done so much for them know of their love and appreciation, then it truly was the best thing we could ask for this Mother’s Day!

And if you’re a player who didn’t write to us, no problem, but still be sure to thank your Mom or other key Motherly figure in your life and tell them how you love them!

— Brentt Eads, Full Count Softball

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Thank you so much for being an all-around awesome mom.

You have supported me through my worst and my best and I am forever grateful for you.

I am so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing support system and I can’t wait for you to see my game grow even more as I grow older.

I love you so much and Happy Mother’s day!!

Adrienne Chang (Calif.)
Catcher, 2019
So Cal Athletics – Mercado/Smith 14U

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My dad has helped make me into the competitor and athlete I am today, but my mom has helped make me into the person I am today.

I have grown up with a role model who is independent, strong willed, creative, fearless, and determined.

My mom stands up for what she believes in. She has inspired me to not let anyone tell me what I believe is right to be wrong. When I have lost sight of who I am and what my goals are, she has helped me refocus and get the perspective I need.

I wouldn’t be where I am today in life or in softball if she wasn’t the kind of mom she is. She may not give me advice on batting, or running, or fielding like some moms do, but she gives me advice far more important than that: she gives me advice on how to be a better person and how to be a strong person.

No matter what battles she has faced in life or the adversity that she has been through she never let it affect her.

She has inspired me to want to be the person she is and I would be lucky to one day be half the amazing person she is today.

I love you mom and even though most of the time you don’t even know what a stolen base is or slapping or most things I do on the field are, you are the reason I am the athlete and person I am today.

Thank you for inspiring me to be the strong and fearless women you are.

Happy Mother’s Day, I love you !

Alexis Mack (Ohio)
Infielder, 2015
Beverly Bandits

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My mom has always been there when I need someone to talk to, or when I need someone to drive me to games and practices. She’s always around to do all that stuff that makes our family successful. I really appreciate it.

She’s a really genuine person to talk to and can be really funny at times. Even though she may get headaches from me, she’ll always do her best to keep me happy.

I like her sense of style and the way she can just laugh things off even when things happen.

I appreciate all the times she’s had to take me to softball practices, games etc. and make those long car rides. I know how hard it is to sit in a car and ride for a long time but it must be harder for a driver. I would like to thank her for that. I really appreciate it. She never complains.

When I think of my mom what comes to mind first is how she is willing to do anything to make sure my two brothers and I are happy and successful.  She pushes us to be our very best everyday

My mom is great because she cares and loves us with all her heart and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for our family.

Bailey Morris (Va.)
Infielder, 2019
Team Glory – Seidel

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The first things that come to my mind when I hear the word “mom” are simple: My best friend, and my biggest supporter. There are a lot of aspects of a person that can make them special. The way they treat others, how they handle tough situations, and how they remain proud of you no matter what happens.

I’m incredibly blessed to say my mom is one special woman. My mom’s positivity, dedication and endless support towards everything I do, is what has helped mold me into the person I am today.

It’s truly a blessing to wake up in the morning and have my lunch for school packed and ready to go, my uniform/practice clothes set out, and a hand written positive note to help me start the new day. My mom has never missed a school event, or any of my softball games. Despite just learning about the game, she never fails to bring a smile to the ballpark.

My mom never sugar coats anything. If I have a bad game, despite already knowing myself, I’ll be told what I did wrong. I think that is very important for athletes to be able to hear the bad along with the good.

Sometimes our teenage minds can make us feel like we are indestructible and can do no wrong. Taking and understanding my mom’s constructive criticism has allowed me to remain humble, and always work hard for what I want in the classroom, on the field and in life.

My best memory with my mom was when we were in California for PGF Nationals last year. We were playing a very tough team, and our team was losing focus. She mouthed to me from the stands: “Sometimes the best types of leaders lead by example.”

So that is exactly what I did. I hit a ball right up the middle for a single, and our team starting rallying back. It was an amazing feeling, and an even better moment to help me realize that anything and everything you do can affect the people around you.

My mom is great because she is selfless. She puts our family and our needs before her own. I look up to my mom as not only a role model in my life, but as someone who never fails to make me smile. It is so incredibly special to be able to have my best friend by my side no matter what life decides to throw at me.

Thank you for being the best mom I could ever ask for.

Justus Perry (Minn.)
Infielder, 2016
Birmingham Thunderbolts

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My mom is always there for me to support me during softball, family, and school.

Even just helping me with an Art project I know that’s love because she has the love to actually help and care about something so little.

She has helped me by just being sincerely caring for me when I’m having troubles or even not having any troubles. I know I can come up to her and tell or ask her anything and she’ll give her full support.

What I like most about my mom is that I can be fun and weird around her and she’ll be the same way back!

An example that shows how special my mom is: she can find the good out of almost every situation; granted not all the time, but when she does it’s the most positive side of her.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of my Mom is her amazing sense of humor—every day and every moment I spend with her, there is always something she can turn into an extremely funny joke!

My mom is great because she is super beautiful and I wouldn’t trade her for the world!

Alyssa Pinto (Texas)
Outfielder/infielder, 2018
Beverly Bandits

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T Statman (Ariz.)
Pitcher/infielder, 2015
Birmingham Thunderbolts

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My mother is the reason I am who I am.

Every accomplishment I’ve ever had wouldn’t be possible without her.  If you were to come to my softball game you can bet my Mom would be there.

After playing travel softball since I was seven, there hasn’t been a single game she’s missed.

When I look out into the crowd I always know I where I can find her, standing beside the bleachers, hand over her necklace with my number on it rubbing it over, and over!

After one game I asked her why she does this? Her answer was, “I do this because I want you to know I will always be proud to wear your number. No matter what happens in the game, I will always be your biggest champion.”

Thank you Mom for being my biggest supporter and fan!

Sydney Supple (Wisc.)
Pitcher/infielder, 2019
Beverly Bandits

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My Mother’s Day “thank you” goes beyond the obvious sacrifice my family has made to let me play my sport.

I wanna thank my mom for being my friend and partner-in-crime.

Together we have fished the waters, hunted the woods, and enjoyed some great sports. You have outdone yourself in every department!

Our times together are more important to me than any tournament I may win.

Nothing could replace these experiences. The future holds many happy days as well as some bad ones, and I can’t wait to share them all with you!

K Brooke Vestal (Texas)
Pitcher, 2018
Texas Bombers

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I am so thankful for my mom because she always supports me in everything I do; I would be nowhere near where I am today without her.

My mom takes the time to bring me to my practices, games, tournaments, and wherever else I need to go. She is so kind and thoughtful and always puts others first.

My mom often makes sacrifices for my siblings and I to help us accomplish our dreams.

She encourages me in softball and academics and is always there when I need anything. She is one of my biggest fans, and I am so grateful that she is a huge part of my life.

I would not be the person or athlete I am today without my mother.

My mom is great because she shows me she loves me everyday in her ordinary actions. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful and loving mom.

Shelby Wickersham (La.)
Pitcher, 2018
Louisiana Patriots