Virginia Unity Smith/Meadows

Senior Night shoutout to Riley Pate at George Jenkins High School.

Riley came to us with a big stick and a cannon for an arm in the outfield, and she’s delivered every step of the way. Now she’s taking that talent to the next level at Polk State to begin her collegiate career.

We’re proud of you and excited to keep watching you play just right down the street.

💯

I get asked about playing time all the time. Especially now with the transfer portal being what it is.

So let me throw something out there.

Your kid gets an opportunity to go to a Top-10 program.
Big logo. Big stadium. Big name. Full ride.

But freshman year comes and goes…
and they log 8–9 innings all season.

Sophomore year?
Maybe a few more. Maybe not.

Now you’re halfway through a college career you spent your entire childhood chasing… and you’ve barely touched the field.

That reality hits different.

I remember having a moment like that myself after the 2008 Olympic year heading into my junior season at Washington. It slapped me in the face that the clock was moving fast — and I had to decide what kind of teammate I was going to be and what kind of legacy I was actually leaving.

So let’s flip the scenario.

Your kid doesn’t go Power Five.

Instead they go somewhere they’re in the lineup every day.
They’re the one in the circle.
The one in the box.
The one the coach looks at when the game is on the line.

They’re not watching the moment.

They’re living in it.

So here’s the real question:

What one would you choose?

The logo…
or the opportunity?

And more importantly — what would they choose?

I’ll never discredit someone’s ability to grind, develop, and fight their way into a lineup.

But you also have to be honest about where things stand.

Because at the end of the day…

Playing time matters.

Logos don’t develop you.
Reps do.

Just some food for thought. 🥎🔥

Congrats Meredith Craven on winning the final score!!!