“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.” ~ E.E. Cummings
Dear Girls with Game,
It is an honor to share my story and reflect back on what has brought me joy and success in this Girls with Game series. Growing up, I was surrounded by family with women strong in their convictions and driven to leave a positive impact in their careers and communities. And, they did just that – as Math, English, Spelling, and Reading Teachers; community leaders; leaders in banking; and championing military auxiliaries. I guess I can say that I was destined to have a career serving others. But, before I share that part, let’s focus on the young Mireille.
I had the fortune of living in a small community with parents who were teachers, which allowed my brother and me to participate in a lot of different activities each summer. That is where I found fun and friendships playing slow-pitch softball on the green t-shirt team (very original). And, when not playing softball, I was at my brother’s baseball games helping my mom in the concession stand or keeping stats in the dugout. Through these activities, along with swimming and learning life skills as a Brownie and Girl Scout, I learned how to be a good teammate, grow a competitive spirit, listen to and learn from others, give back, and have fun in the moment.
These friendships continued into middle and high school with field hockey, fast-pitch softball, student government, music, service to the local hospital as a candy striper, and eventually my first job at Hersheypark. Again, I grew and learned that no one person is greater than the team, to always stay true to myself, and appreciate all that I have experienced.
Fast forward to the early 90s when I started my career with Marriott International – a company and industry that is all about service to others. Over my 30-year career, I had incredible mentors, leaders, and peers who were inspiring, authentic, humble, and always focused on taking great care of the associates. Their guidance and belief in my abilities gave me the opportunity to cross-fit my career through a number of different work experiences and roles. Through this three-decade journey, I got to meet people from all cultures and backgrounds and developed lifelong friendships.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, the hospitality industry was severely impacted and I made the difficult decision, took a risk, and said goodbye to an organization that allowed me to be me for 30 years. I truly believe that this turn of events, and my experiences, led me to this opportunity with Little League – an organization that resonates with my values and passions of giving back. Now, I have begun to write the next chapter with a small and mighty team vested in positively impacting youth and communities.
So, as Little League begins to close out 50 years of Girls with Game, here is my advice to all Girls with Game who will charge forward into the next 50 years:
- Be fierce, determined, tenacious, curious, authentic, and always true to you!
- Never stop learning, growing, and having FUN!
- Develop others and own your professional and personal development – no excuses!
- Don’t be afraid to change, pivot, and experience new opportunities!
- Stay humble!
- Be BOLD, Be YOU, Be UNSTOPPABLE!
Your legacy will be the small footprints you leave on the hearts and minds of those you positively impact – seize the moments and appreciate always.
Mireille Cottle, Senior Executive, People and Culture
NOTE: The “Dear Girls with Game” letter series is a piece of the #GWG50 Celebration in 2024, with written letters from staff members from Little League International focused at inspiring the next generation of Girls with Game. To learn more about this initiative, visit LittleLeague.org/GWG50. The #GWG50 celebration is proudly supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods, a long-time Little League partner that is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in sports and will be activating around key events and milestones this year.