As the opening ceremonies for GYBSA began for the 2018 season, young boys and girls gathered around to listen to the guest speaker, Gorham High School softball standout, Grace McGouldrick. McGouldrick is in her senior year playing with the Gorham Rams varsity girls’ team and in the fall will be heading to the University of Maine to play softball. She said it meant a lot to her to be asked to be the guest speaker and she took it very seriously.

“Knowing that Kenny Tuttle has spoken and Shawn Moody also spoke in the past couple years, really put into perspective how serious this was, and how much of an honor it was to be chosen after those amazing people have been chosen before me.”

McGouldrick has a message for the young players as they begin their season: “Just to work hard, have a good attitude, and if they are doing the best they can, being a good teammate and giving 100%, they will find success. And success finds people at different times so they just need to be patient if things just aren’t working out for them right now.” While it may be hard to believe, she said it took her a long time when she was their age before things started falling into place.

The future D1 athlete is what you might call an icon with the younger softball players in Gorham. Hilary Douglas, who plays shortstop for GHOP, is one who looks up to her and appreciates her knowledge of softball. “She is always positive and demonstrates that it’s ok to make a mistake as long as you learn and grow from it!” Douglas said McGouldrick is very approachable and kind, and she sees what the girls do and works with them individually to get better.

McGouldrick has many great memories of her time in GYBSA. “Playing little league was so fun. So many of my friends were on my team so from the very beginning we were like a big family.” In those years her team ended up winning the championship game two years in a row, they went to states one of those years as well as regionals the year they won states. While her team had a lot of success she said, “I just remember having so much fun and acting so crazy and silly with all my friends who I am still really close with today!”

As McGouldrick finishes her career as a Gorham Ram, her final words to the girls who come after her are that of a seasoned athlete. “They just need to remember that they need to believe in themselves and have patience. Keep working hard and sooner or later they will start to get recognized for their amazing efforts.” She also said the moments go by fast, so enjoy them!