On May 16th, the softball program came together for more than just a game. Players, coaches, and fans all honored the memory of Tom “Super Fan” Lewis. For his passing, the softball program decided to have a memorial game celebrating the life of someone who meant so much to not only Chelsea athletics but the Chelsea softball program.
“It definitely meant a lot to us because he made such a big impact in my life and like everyone else’s to just share a very special moment and what he did for each of us in different ways,” senior Ashley Sherwood said.
Tom inspired a variety of student athletes in so many ways, from constantly motivating them to always saying that one thing he has told everyone: “Have Fun. Play hard. Love you!” He wanted to share 6 words for everyone to remember. Putting the phrase on the softball program’s shirts for the game made it more memorable to fans and the players.
“Having his phrase of ‘Have Fun. Play hard. Love you!’ on the shirts was just so remarkable. It meant a lot because it was something he said constantly to us and it made us feel loved and special about ourselves,” Sherwood said.
Before the game, the softball program honored Tom by sharing a speech about how he impacted the softball program. Since Chelsea was playing Lansing Catholic that day, both teams decided to come together and say a prayer in his memory. It was a meaningful way to honor someone who meant so much to many people, while also recognizing Tom’s strong faith as a youth pastor at a Catholic Church.
“When we did a prayer after the moment of silence with the Lansing Catholic team, it’s what Tom would’ve wanted and you could really feel his presence in the moment like he was holding your hand,” senior Lily McCalla said.
Tom had a very important connection with the senior class, sharing a special bond with most of them. No matter the outcome of the game, Tom was always there supporting from the stands. His encouragement and feedback gave the seniors confidence even during the moments where they doubted themselves.
“It definitely impacted us positively because he would always be someone that if you had one bad game, he would never let that just define you and he would always make you feel loved,” Sherwood said. “He would always be there and just find the positive out of the game to remind you of what you did well, instead of always looking at the bad things.”
Every single game you could always feel his presence in the stands, sitting in the same spot he always did. No matter the score, he always had a smile on his face. After every game, everyone looked forward to talking to him because he had a way of making you feel valued and would constantly remind you to feel good about yourself.
“I feel like it just gave an importance to our team, and it really gave us a “why” and a reason to play,” sophomore Audrey McCarley said. “Just like knowing that we have someone who’s that dedicated to the sport and to the school and the players, it just changes your mindset of the way you play.”
