RINGGOLD, Ga. -- Ringgold High School senior Jessie Griffith’s baby book for her son will more than likely have a few clippings of herself.

Jessie is a new mother, an honor student and a four-year-softball player with the Lady Tigers. She recently put back on her Blue-and-White Ringgold uniform seven weeks after giving birth to Connor Patton Sparks.

The 17-year-old pitcher said making the decision to come back was about the love of the game, her teammates and finishing something she started three years ago at Ringgold.

“You kind of have to play the cards you are dealt with in life,” she said. “Just because something happens doesn’t mean you have to change everything.”

Jessie, who has a 3.9 GPA, said she was released from her doctor on Monday, Sept. 10. That same day she came to practice to talk to Ringgold Coach Vince Phillips about being a part of the team again.

“There had been some talk about me picking up and playing 18-under ball during the summer,” she said. “But, I never thought I would be able to come back in school ball.”

The following day after being released she loaded the bus to Ridgeland and dressed out for her first game against Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe on Thursday, Sept. 13.

On Friday at the Brookwood tournament, Jessie was back in full swing. She made her first appearance in the circle where she struck out five batters and allowed two hits in Ringgold's 8-3 victory over Pike County.

Phillips said he couldn't be more proud of Jessie, who he said has been welcomed with opened arms by her teammates.

“She is an exceptional young lady,” Phillips said. “I’ve told her from the start we just want her on the field… she’s a Lady Tiger for life.”

Jessie’s mother, Cathy Griffith, said she told her daughter she would support her in any decision she chose to make because she knew her daughter was a mother first.

She also thought by her coming back to play it would set a positive example for other female athletes who have been or may be in a similar situation one day.

“I’ve really just had to step back,” Cathy said. “Jesse has become a dedicated and confident mother.”

Even with the help of her mother and Connor’s extended family, Jessie said life’s lessons have been tough. Changing diapers every day is a lot different from practicing her change-up.

But Jessie and her son are getting into their own routines.

“It’s hectic sometimes,” she said. “It’s kind of like a Chinese fire drill trying to get everyone ready in the mornings. But as long as I don’t waste my time I can get everything done.”