Softball in the United States is a staple of childhood, but in Hong Kong, the journey to discover this vibrant sport is a unique adventure. As the Chinese characters for softball suggest, there's a rich tapestry behind its name, blending elements of defense and teamwork, much like the game itself.

While planning for my studies at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), I stumbled upon the fact that softball was available—a delightful surprise that merged my love for the sport with my affection for this incredible city. Surprisingly, during my previous visits, I had seen little indication of softball's presence.

My time at HKU was transformative, and joining the Lady Ho Tung Hall (LHTH) softball team opened doors to friendships that I cherish deeply today. Back home in Santa Barbara, I connected with my teammates and coaches from LHTH to delve into their experiences with softball in Hong Kong.

The Lady Ho Tung Hall team acts as a fascinating nexus for our shared stories. Many teammates were newcomers to the sport, which led me to ask what inspired their journey into softball.

Joanna Cheung, the team captain, shared, "I got into softball during 'feel camp,' a hall promotion activity. I made friends there, and they convinced me to join their team." Feel camp is an annual event that integrates newcomers into the hall community.

From my observations, HKU fosters a strong sense of community and tradition, where events cultivate bonds that extend beyond sports. Post-practice meals evolved into a cherished ritual for our team, providing a space to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.

Brian Leung, a former player at Chinese University of Hong Kong and now LHT pitching coach, painted a different picture: "Back in my day, only a handful of secondary schools offered softball. My school wasn’t one of them!" He recalled: "We had one teacher who played at the Hong Kong level, but he didn't promote it. Instead, another teacher introduced us to the sport through the inspirational film 'Kano,' about Taiwanese baseball."

Their stories highlight that the journey into any sport requires a nurturing community and personal curiosity. While some found inspiration externally, others, like LHT coach Larry Hung, got hooked through personal interests—his journey started with the comic book 'Dorabase,' which sparked his curiosity for baseball and softball, leading him to a school that offered the sport.

Each player's journey showcases the concept of 天分 (tianfen), akin to 'destiny' or 'serendipity,' suggesting that sometimes, the sport finds you at the right moment in life. Despite our different beginnings, we all converged at HKU, fueled by our passion for softball, making friendships that transcend beyond the field.

The eclectic paths that lead to the Lady Ho Tung Hall softball team reflect the growing interest and unique culture that surrounds the sport in Hong Kong. In a society dominated by different sports, the emergence of softball showcases not only a hobby but a community that thrives on connection, resilience, and the joy of teamwork.