South Texas Shooters (Photography That Is!)

In less than 30 days Texas State Softball will take it to The Field Where Dreams Become Reality again!!

Over the past 12 years I have followed the program and attempted to capture moments on the field for the athletes, coach’s , family and university. Over the years my support for these folks has been strengthened by the countless smiles shared with me and the feeling of family shown to me.

It has been an added blessing besides being witness to phenomenal action on the field. To be blessed with knowing some of the finest people who make up the program, the student athletes, parents, family members, coach’s and all the folks that make up this amazing, talented program.

Over the years my interest has grown from simple “Let me get a few shots” to “Can’t wait to get to the ballpark”! I schedule vacation weeks so that I can support the team with Camera & Lens. I look forward to seeing the coach’s, athletes and Texas State Family so very much. It is a high point of my days to visit and trip the shutter. I look forward to seeing what the athletes accomplish after walking away from the field. I smile when I hear or see that they have accomplished another milestone. They have become family.

As the 2019 season is about to begin I again look forward to capturing the moments that become memories on and off the field. I commit to bringing my best game to the field with my eye, cameras and lens!!!

Thank You Coach’s, Athletes, Family Members and Staff at Texas State for an incredible ride!!!Looking forward to another season!!

Winners are shaped by leaders

The Field of Dreams

Communication, Leadership, Service and Teamwork very powerful group of words. During my lifetime I have heard these words used by many people, teachers, professors, officers, sergeants and leaders. Let me explain!

Communications – Everyday we communicate, words, body language, text messages, PM’s! To be successful in communication there has to be two elements, the sender and the recipient. Each has to do something to make it successful, the sender must communicate a clear message, the recipient must listen, hear and understand the message. Then each should, must let the other know message is understood and insure the message is given to the right parties. If we don’t communicate clearly, honestly and with intent, we risk doing such harm and making someone turn off hearing!!

Leadership – This is a difficult concept for some folks! It is my belief that you can send someone to all the schools, classes, seminars and courses there are and they will never grasp what Leadership is. Then there is those who are natural leaders and make leadership look easy, but most of all these folks make leaders out of the folks who follow, then we have a new crop of leadership. For those that never grasp Leadership fully you hurt others by your lack of Leadership! For the true Leaders you make Leadership attainable by all you Lead!! Thank you!!

Service – Service another concept that is easy for some and difficult for others. Service to others, service to a cause, service to country, selfless service and service to self! For most of my adult life I have been taught, trained and follow the concept of “Selfless Service” and again I believe that most of us believe in service to others. There are a small group of service to self and no one else types. I have seen too many of these types in recent years. I can hope that one day these types will open their eyes and get it right!!

Teamwork – Teamwork, whether it’s on a sports field or in a work place or just on the corner of your street. Look at teams that are family, they are always there for each other, they make each other stronger and they make sure they Win! Some folks talk big about teamwork, but have no clue what teamwork is! They talk about team, but their actions speak I, I and more I. As the saying goes “There is no I in Team”! If your gonna use the term Team/teamwork then become a part of the Team, don’t leave someone out or alone!! One day you’re gonna need that Team to keep You afloat!!!

Yes this is a rant and today I don’t apologize for it, it has to be said by me. I am so proud of the many people I care for and love for Their ability to Communicate, Their Leadership, Their Service and Their Teamwork!!!

Some fifteen years ago I renewed my love for softball while watching the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and I watched a group of talented women take the field and bring home The Gold! Then again in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games the love for the sport was strengthened even more with these Games. By this time I had begun to follow Texas State Softball and my love for the game was transferred to catching the moments on the field with a lens!

During this time I got the chance to meet the young women who was a member of both 2004 & 2008 Teams “The Real Dream Teams”! She was sharing her knowledge of the game with young athletes as an assistant coach. I found upon meeting face to face that this is a truly amazing and talented young women. Her caring and compassion for the game is just the tip of the iceberg, her love for life and caring for her kids is awesome!!

A few years later this amazing lady came to Texas State as the assistant coach and now as the associate head coach. I have been blessed with getting to know her better and her becoming a part of the family!! The caring, compassion, kindness and true heart has become a bench mark for others.

This past week she went to tryouts for Team USA and that grace and grittiness and a pitch that baffles the eye got her a spot on the 2019 Roster. It proves that ones age is still merely a number if you work hard, keep your work ethic pure and keep pursuing the dream.

In short I just want to say congratulations Coach O on getting a spot on the roster. I look forward to adding another Dream Team photo in 2020!!!

The 2004 Dream Team

A smile that drives away frowns!!!

Coach “O”