What has two thumbs up, two super cute smiles, and knows what it means to stay positive?

Meet Kinley Crain and Cate Reynolds, new friends with a story that proves how small gestures can make a big impact, even in unlikely places like home plate at an 8U softball game. 

After a game last week between the Springfield Lady Jackets and the White House Knock Outs, seven year old Kinley and her parents were discussing Kinley’s strike outs at the plate. Despite being disappointed that she didn’t make it on base, Kinley was in good spirits thanks to some encouraging words from the other team’s catcher.

“I made a new friend tonight, though.” Kinley revealed. Instead of being consumed with competitiveness, Cate, a mere nine years old, was offering words of encouragement to Kinley as she was struggling to hit the ball. 

“You got this!” “Good job! Come on!” 

“I was so happy because she was being nice to me,” Kinley said, beaming from ear to ear with confidence. “She made me feel like I could hit the ball!” 

What could possibly motivate Cate to encourage someone from a rival team? She knows that true sportsmanship and showing kindness and grace is MUCH more important than winning. 

“I really felt like she could do it,” Cate encouraged. “I noticed that she was the smallest girl on the team, but I knew she could hit the ball!” 

Cate says that she’s witnessed other kids being unkind and decided to encourage other people more. “Treat others how you want to be treated,” she said, with a big smile. 

The two girls and their families were able to connect after the game when Kinley’s mother posted about the experience on Facebook later that evening. Cate’s kind words not only changed Kinley’s outlook on the game, but also sparked a promising friendship between them.