Who you surround yourself with matters more than you realize.
The people in your circle will either push you toward growth, integrity, and purpose… or slowly pull you away from it.
Choose teammates, friends, and mentors who challenge you to become stronger—not just as an athlete, but as a person of character and faith.
Protect your heart. Protect your mindset. And never underestimate the power of godly influence.
#biblicalwisdom #thedotrichardsonshowWho you surround yourself with matters more than you realize.
I want to note when Brooke Wells hit the go ahead to put up a 3 run lead, the happiest person to greet her, Mari Hubbard, was the happiest I’ve ever seen anyone.
She’s not in the starting line up, she didn’t get into the game.
That’s Alabama softball.
#rolltide@AlabamaSB
I signed to UCLA my junior year of high school and was told I was going to start Day 1.
Opening Day at UCLA?
I was sitting the bench. 😭
I had 2 choices:
1. Complain, pout, and blame the coaches
OR
2. Find the holes on the team and become valuable.
So for 3 weeks, I sat the bench.
I showed up early.
Stayed late.
Cheered for my teammates.
Dragged the field every 3rd inning.
Meanwhile, I studied the team.
The middle infielders were doing well.
Third base wasn’t.
So I told the coaches:
“I can play third.”
Then I noticed something else:
Offensively, we were either hitting home runs or getting out.
I saw the gap.
If I could become a tough out, get on base, and bring energy to the team…
I could create value.
Then we played Miami.
The starting third baseman was hitting .115.
They gave me a shot.
I went 2 for 3 with a walk.
Played solid defense.
Brought energy.
I never sat the bench again.
Eventually, I became team captain…
and we were ranked #1 in the country.
One thing baseball taught me:
Opportunities don’t always go to the most talented player.
Sometimes they go to the player who becomes the most valuable.