Dawn Weins was one of our Senior Captains this year, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring. In just her second year of playing softball, Dawn faced immense challenges, battling health issues that tested her physical and mental strength. Feeling frustrated as her body often gave out on her, she entered this season with the hope for a better experience than the last. Doubts clouded her mind, and her confidence was low due to her previous performance and physical limitations.
But Dawn’s spirit remained undeterred. Her dedication was evident at every practice, where she pushed herself beyond her limits, refusing to quit until she mastered new skills. This year, she focused intensely on improving her hitting and even learned how to bunt. The breakthrough moment came when she hit the ball farther than ever before, using one of the composite bats provided by the PIFBS donation. The enormous smile on her face as she stood on second base is a moment that will be remembered forever.
That day marked a turning point; Dawn’s confidence soared, transforming her into a completely different player. She even took on the role of catcher for the team, something she never would have attempted without regaining her self-belief. Dawn’s story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, community support, and the impact of donations. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and grateful to have witnessed her journey of triumph over adversity.
Callie McDermott, Como Park High School Varsity Head Coach