Mudita: Emily Winkler’s Journey

"Mudita" is a Pali and Sanskrit word that translates to "sympathetic joy" or "appreciative joy." It captures the happiness one feels when witnessing the success and good fortune of others.

It's also one of the core values embraced by the William Penn softball program.  For Emily Winkler, a junior outfielder from North Platte, Neb., Mudita isn't just a word, it's a lived experience.

"We really embrace Mudita," Winkler said. "It has been incredible to see the team grow after accepting this value."

Winkler's journey with the program began three years ago, and like many student-athletes, it started with an adjustment period.

"My first year was rocky. It took time to find where I fit on the team."

Big changes came at the end of her freshman year when many of the team's seniors graduated, and a new era began under Head Coach Laura North.

"With so many seniors graduating, it felt like a big transition when Coach North came in," Winkler said. "But from day one, she was clear about the culture she wanted to build and what her expectations were."

That clarity, combined with a sense of unity, laid the foundation for growth.

"It took time, but we were excited. Even though the start was rocky, we could tell things were changing," Winkler said. "We were supporting each other, genuinely happy for one another."

Winkler continued, "It's all about Mudita—and whether you're the one making the plays, if you are the bullpen catcher, the loudest cheerer in the dugout, a pinch runner, starting pitcher, or keeping the books—all these roles are crucial in playing into our team's success, and Coach has made that clear. "

"As the culture evolved, I was able to thrive and found close friendships. That's when I started to feel like I truly belonged."

That culture development became intentional from the very beginning of the 2024-25 season.

"At the beginning of the year, we filled out our Commitment Continuum," Winkler explained. "Through those conversations and reflections, we built a family culture and learned to trust each other."

While the team focused on building trust, Winkler was facing a personal challenge.

"I've struggled with my mental health for some time, and it got particularly hard during the fall semester."

But she didn't face it alone.

"The way Coach North handled my situation with care was incredibly empowering," Winkler said. "She was extremely supportive and played a great role in helping me through my battle. We are fighting against the old stigmas, and she changed the way we talk about and handle mental health within our team. It is taken very seriously.  We no longer fight alone; we get in the trenches together and support each other through the hardships life brings our way. I hope we can be a model for other teams on campus to follow, because our mental well-being plays a crucial role in not only our performances, but the quality of lives we live. Sports are temporary, relationships are forever."

Her coaches checked in regularly. The team stepped up too.

"They invited me to everything--studying, hanging out, and dinner. They offered a listening ear. They showed up for me in every way."

Winkler said it always came back to that one word—Mudita.

"It's part of our culture. We genuinely love each other. And I think that's a huge part of what makes this team successful."

Winkler unfortunately has also fought through physical adversity. During last season's spring break trip in Arizona, Winkler tore her ACL.

"It was hard going from competing to being completely taken out of everything as an athlete," she said.

Her return came full circle, exactly one year later, during this year's spring break trip to the Grand Canyon State.

"A year to the day when I tore my ACL, I hit a double. I looked over to the dugout, and everyone was going crazy. It was like all this pressure just lifted off my shoulders."

"It reminded me of our culture, of Mudita. They'd seen me go through the mental and physical trenches. And in that moment, they were celebrating with me."

"After that inning, everyone came out and started throwing me around," she added, laughing.

Despite the setbacks, Winkler's belief in her team and its journey has only grown.

"I've never been part of a team as special as this year's. It's sad that it's over, but it's been a blessing. To look back and see how far we've come since the fall, it's so rewarding to know the work has been worth it."

During Winkler's time at WPU, the Statesmen hadn't reached the Heart of America Athletic Conference Conference Tournament. This year, they had a shot.

"We needed one win on Friday. We lost a super close first game, but then we won the second," she said. "The energy in the dugout, we all ran out onto the field to celebrate with the pitcher. It was electric. The bus ride back was incredible."

But the team wasn't satisfied with just squeaking into the playoffs.

"We needed a sweep on Saturday to take the seventh seed, and we did it," Winkler said. "On Senior Night, our last home game, getting to ring the bell was so special. I keep bringing it back to Mudita, but that's what makes those moments possible. Knowing it was the seniors' last game on that field, everyone played their hearts out to give them that moment."

The Statesmen fell in the opening round of the Heart Tournament, and then put up a strong fight in the consolation round one, but were ultimately overpowered by their opponents.

Still, the postseason run marked a significant step forward for the program, and for Winkler, a personal turning point.

Her experiences, both on and off the field, have helped shape her purpose beyond the game.

"When I was in the thick of my mental health journey, Coach North was a huge supporter," she said. "But my struggles also posed me with a great opportunity. When I began to see through to the other side of all the hardships, I felt called to help others who may also be struggling with their mental health."

That calling has led her to become a source of strength and support for teammates.

"Coach mentioned that I had a unique opportunity to share my story, and it has given me a platform. Not just to advocate, but to show my teammates they are not alone, and be an example of how our team and coaching staff handle these challenges with empathy and care. Our coaches prioritize each of us as young women before they do players, and I believe this truly sets our coaching staff apart from others."

"Since then, I've had several teammates reach out simply to talk, to ask for advice, and to tell me they were finally empowered to start therapy themselves. Some have told me I inspired them to finally take their mental health journeys seriously. I think I have helped change the perspective of mental health on this team, and it has been incredibly rewarding."

"It makes me feel like I went through those tough times for a reason. Now I'm better equipped to be a voice for those who aren't ready to speak up."

Her advocacy extends beyond her teammates. As an Exercise Science major, Winkler knows her future involves helping others thrive.

"I want to do something that helps people. I don't know exactly what yet, but I want to help others become the best version of themselves—healthier and happier."