I’ll be heading back to Williamsport this August to umpire my second Little League Baseball World Series, and I recently learned that I’ll be the first woman invited back for a second LLWS. When I heard the news, I had a mix of emotions—honor, gratitude, and, if I’m being honest (which is 99.9% of the time), a little disbelief.
Whenever people find out that I umpire at this level, they often ask what it’s like to be one of the few women on the field. They want to know if I’ve ever felt out of place or struggled with belonging because of it.
The truth? I never questioned whether I belonged on the field. I knew I had the skills, the experience, and the presence to be there.
Belonging is about identity—it’s about who you are. I knew I belonged.
What I questioned was whether I had earned it the way others had.
You see, earning it is about external validation—it’s about what you’ve done, often in the eyes of others. I looked around and saw umpires who had worked more games. People who knew the rule book better. People who had contributed to their local leagues for decades.
It’s easy to measure ourselves against what others have done and wonder if we’ve truly earned our place. That little voice in the back of our minds starts whispering: Are you sure you’ve really done enough?
What I’ve Learned About Belonging vs. Earning It
So, occasionally, the comparison game creeps in. I hear thoughts in my head that ask, “I belong, but have I earned it the way others have?”
In the past, I thought belonging had something to do with the boxes you checked off—games worked, years served, tests passed. Now, don’t get me wrong, experience and expertise matter. But I’ve come to realize that belonging isn’t just about the numbers.
Belonging is about showing up fully.
🔑 It’s about how you lead, how you serve, and how you contribute—not just how long you’ve been doing it.
🔑 It’s about trusting that the work you’ve put in has value, even if you don’t have the longest resume in the room.
On the other hand, feeling like you’ve earned it often depends on external comparisons. We look at others who have taken different paths and assume their journey is the “right” way to success. But what if there isn’t just one way to “earn” something? What if your unique experiences and perspectives are just as valuable?
In baseball, leadership, and life, I’ve seen too many people hesitate or fail to step into opportunities because they think they haven’t done “enough” yet to deserve them. But if we always wait until we feel 100% ready, we miss out on incredible moments of growth, inspiration, and impact that we could be experiencing NOW.
The Bigger Lesson
This message isn’t just about umpiring. It isn’t about me being a girl on the baseball field. It’s about leadership and self-trust.
Many talented, hardworking people hold themselves back—not because they aren’t capable, but because they compare themselves to others and convince themselves they’re not “enough” yet.
If I’ve learned anything through this journey, it’s this:
- You don’t have to wait for someone else to validate your worth or tally up your qualifications.
- You don’t have to know every page of the rulebook or have decades of experience to contribute in a meaningful way.
- Your presence, your effort, and your willingness to keep growing are enough.
So, as I prepare to head back to one of the most amazing places on the planet in mid-August—Williamsport, PA—I do so with deep gratitude—for the game, for all the people who have mentored and supported me on this umpiring journey, and for the reminder that belonging isn’t about measuring up. It’s about showing up.
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👇 And, let me know in the comments below…
Have you ever hesitated to step into an opportunity because you felt others were more qualified? Were you able to work through it?
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