Hello everyone, 

This piece was written by my teammate Lana Bowers, but it is amazing. I read it the other day and told her I had to submit it to you, because it is perfect for what you are looking for. I hope that's ok.  I think it's really good.

Being called the best is only temporarily, allowing someone to be complacent.  So why do it? Complacency is the enemy. Doing things to please others--the enemy.

Why do I do what I do?

Because every step I take is to be the best? A.K.A.: complacent?

I don't want to be called the best. That is people putting limits on my mind, strapping it to definable standards. My standards cannot be seen. With every step I take, my standards also get higher. People who are supposed to be the "best" get written down on a list or in a book, perhaps talked about amongst people who themselves are mediocre, because while they are reading my name, they are wasting valuable time, time they could use to better themselves. I want to be known or remembered for going hard, never losing a foothold, never looking back to see how high I've gone because that will only stir either pride or self doubt--both are deadly. Money is to save, energy is to blow. When I have nothing left to give, that is when I start to grow. My energy does not have a current balance, nor can you count its worth. You can't see it or touch it because it is infinite, But only as long as my mind allows it to be.

Failure is the world saying that my energy was given in vain.

Failure is me saying that success is not the only thing to gain. Why do I do what I do? Not for your satisfaction, that is for sure. I love the journey, I love the grind. The harder it gets, the stronger I get. Another step up the mountain. My time will NOT be wasted.

Failure is my friend, pushing me to be greater. It is what holds me accountable, keeps me more honest than the false hope the world feeds me.

They don't, they won't define me. They don't know me. I am ten feet tall and bullet proof. Don't they know that? You won't shake me. My mind doesn't take a second off. My discipline is infallible, because my failure holds me accountable. Go ahead, test me. If you can catch me, you won't find me here.

I've already taken the next step.

Today's insight into the lives of the Ragin' Cajuns is a little different than normal.  I am going to let you readers in on a little team inspiration if you will.  We, as softball fans, are all familiar with the infamous "perfect game" in which a pitcher keeps anyone on the opposing team from getting on base, whether it is from a walk or a hit.  This is indeed a very exciting moment for a team, but the Ragin' Cajuns try for a different type of goal each game.  We are constantly on the hunt for something we call a "complete game." 

The Cajuns have a top-ten list, you see, of all of the things that can happen in a softball game that really pump us up.  When we complete all ten things, we call that a "complete game."  It is the ultimate pump-up that we can accomplish.  This, though it may seem easy, is a very rare task to complete.  It has only been done once as my time here as a Cajun (and though I am just a junior, that is still a lot of games to have been played... and I invented the list so we cannot judge previous games...those are the rules).  Now I'm sure you are all dying to hear what these top ten accomplishments are.  So I will give you a peak inside our team and let you know.

1. Strikeouts - When our pitcher strikes out a batter...preferably on a change-up but we are not picky.

2. Home Runs - We love when our team hits bombs. There is no comparison to the feeling you get when you see the ball fly off the bat and know instantly...BOMB!

3. Slappers Get On - We absolutely love when our slappers get on.  First of all, it is just an adrenaline rush because they always slap the ball in the gap or lay down a perfect drag to outrun the throw.  But then when they get on...you just know they're gonna score cuz they run like the wind!

4. Double Plays - When our defense turns two...it is better when it's a ball hit to third, short, or second, in which the ball is flipped to second base and then to first...but again...we are not picky.

5. Diving Catches - When our defense lays out and makes a diving catch. This can be a catcher for a foul ball; an infielder for a hard grounder in the gap, or an outfielder airborne to keep the blooper from falling...ahhh...gives us chills!

6. Steals - When our base runners successfully steal...especially home

7. Throw-Outs - When our catchers throw runners out. This includes a runner trying to steal second as well as pick-offs.

8. Non-starters - When non-starters get a chance to go in the game. And when they are productive (i.e. make a play, get a hit) it's even better.

9. Scoring - when our pinch-runners score. Now let me explain why I specified "pinch runners" and not just any runners. You see, here is the deal with pinch runners. If you are put into the game to run for anyone, that is your only chance. Once the original player is reentered, you are dead. You are no longer eligible for play (I know, it sounds terrible but it's true. Trust me on this one...I learned the hard way). So when our pinch-runners score, it is that much greater because we know they only get that one chance a game. It is their one shot to impact the game and their one goal in life (at least their softball life). And let me tell you...there is nothing greater than having the bottom of your cleat touch home plate.

10. Misc. - The tenth accomplishment is reserved for things that cannot be predicted that really pump us up. These are things that do not really happen very often, but when they do, are the things that make your heart beat out of your chest. They make you wanna jump over the brick wall, out of the dugout, and onto the field screaming...it's that intense. These are things like Karli Hubbard's catch in center field to save a potential triple in the '08 season's game against Southern Miss. She caught the ball as she ran hard into the fence. She fell to the ground and there has been speculation that she has a mild concussion...but she caught that ball. That's a Cajun! Another recent play that fits into the number 10 category also happened during the Southern Miss game. Holly Tankersley threw out a girl at first base from right field with her bionic arm. The batter hit a shot between our first and second basemen, and Holly charged the ball, scooped it up, and lasered it to Gabby Bridges for the out. That's just something you cannot predict, which is why we reserved a special place on our top ten list.

Thanks to all the fans for coming out and supporting our team. We all appreciate it more than you will ever know. Keep coming around and you're sure to witness some exciting games. We love you all and are very proud to be Ragin' Cajuns and to have such wonderful and supportive fans.