The relaxation comes to an end as the spring sports season start today. My month off since basketball season ended has been more than enjoyable, but it is now time for me to get back in game mode.

It's a long, tough process but as Spring Training has begun for the Major League Baseball players, it's time for me and the rest of the girls softball team to get back on the field and get ready for another season. The boys baseball, boys and girls lacrosse and boys and girls track and field also start today. Then next week, tryouts begin for boys volleyball, boys tennis, boys golf and girls badmitton. I wish all of the Schreiber teams good luck as we all look forward to a quality season.

My "training" began yesterday when I went to have a catch with a friend to see how my arm felt. I threw for maybe 20 minutes and I am already sore. On top of that, I think I pulled my calf muscle while going on a four-mile run after tossing the ball around. Sounds like a solid way to start to the season, right? I won't let any of these minor setbacks stop me though because it's my senior year and final season at Schreiber.

I packed my softball bag last night because I am so excited. I've got my glove, batting gloves, cleats, shorts, sweatshirt and running sneakers and I am ready to go. Coach Eric Sutz would be so proud of me.

I now have to start to mentally prepare myself, as I am sure plenty of other students are doing as well. I've already said goodbye to hanging out after school, going to bed early, being able to eat right after school and, most of all, goodbye Saturday mornings. That is definitely what I am going to miss the most — sleeping in on Saturdays. We'll have games and practices on Saturdays from here on out, but I'll have to put in the hours in order to thrive this season.

Since I have already prepared myself for the worst, I can now focus of the pros. I am looking forward to my final season in Vikings' blue and white and hope to have a good season. Me and Coach Sutz are extremely close, which makes me look forward to the season as well. And I won't have to pitch this season!

Last year, one of our pitchers got injured and, sadly, I had to step in. I hadn't pitched since eighth-grade and it was a sight to say the least. I did well, but pitching just isn't for me. This year we have three other pitchers, which means I won't have to pitch. I am ecstatic.

Last but certainly not least, the weather is getting nicer and it will be fun to play outside in the fresh air. The spring is upon us, and the sun is finally out. There is nothing better than playing outside, getting a tan and having fun playing a sport you love.

So while other kids may be dreading the start of the spring sports season, and some are contemplating quitting before they even start, I am being optimistic. Though I will be losing a lot of free time and won't have time to relax for the next few months, I'm trying to be positive. I just have to remember this is my last sports season ever in high school, and I have to take advantage of it.

While this is my final high school sports season, and probably the last softball season I'll ever have, I am taking it on going full-speed ahead. With my helmet, bat, glove and high socks, I am here to play. I wish the track, volleyball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, golf and badmitton teams good luck with their seasons, and I hope everyone is ready for an awesome season of softball as well.