Anna had many loves, and one was softball. And no matter which team she played for, she was always a favorite teammate because of her great attitude, a commitment to be her best, and a little bit of silliness thrown in.
Anna spent many days practicing in the Rapid City girls’ softball indoor batting shed during the cold South Dakota winters, and it was always a sign the season was near when her team finally got to enjoy their first practice outside.
On Sunday, Rapid City’s U10 Cougars got to enjoy their first practice outside … and a whole lot more. Anna’s mom Fran and her brother Alex were on hand when the Cougars practice ended to share with the players a special surprise: They would be this year’s Anna’s Kindness softball team.
Anna’s family sponsors a U10 girls softball team in Rapid City to honor her love of the game and her spirit of kindness and sportsmanship. They hope to inspire other young girls with Anna’s story.
Fran shared Anna’s love of softball and her compassion for others with the assembled Cougar players after their practice. Once Fran had finished, she presented Anna’s Kindness jerseys to the excited girls. The shirts are designed in Anna’s favorite color, and have the No. 13 (her jersey number) in a heart on the sleeve. The team then celebrated with a preseason party at nearby Pizza Ranch, a favorite after-game stop for Anna each season.
Thank you to Bo Sabo, the Rapid City girls fast-pitch softball board, and the U10 Cougar coaches and parents for their support. A special thanks to Cougars head coach Wayne Iddings for leading this year’s Anna’s Kindness team and teaching them valuable life lessons. The Cougars hope to honor Anna’s spirit of helping those less fortunate with a volunteer project during the season.
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