Behind the Queen's Smile: A Professional Athlete's Journey of Success, Abuse, and Healing From the Inside Out

by Rosie Black Schoepf

In this intimate memoir, professional athlete Rosie Black opens up for the first time sharing her incredible journey from a shy, introverted girl to champion fastpitch softball pitcher with The Queen and Her Court, entertaining thousands all over the world.

While the backdrop is an unbelievable 25-year career rising to the top of her field and highlighting many achievements in the sports world; the emphasis of Behind the Queen's Smile is on the very personal and raw retelling of behind-the-scenes happenings that led to a heart wrenching darkness of the soul.

Honest. Humorous. Captivating. Challenging. This book deals with subjects such as child abuse, addictions, suicide, and forgiveness.

While working through her struggle, Rosie finds answers to many questions that are relevant in today's world. How do we find an identity that won't come crashing down when we're not welcomed with applause everyday...when fame and achievement disappear...when we lose our jobs...when divorce happens...when our children leave the nest? How do we build again after being broken?

Rosie's book is about restoration and transformation, growing faith and a hope that will never fail.

306 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2023

Reviews

[Deannamand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes things are not at all as they seem. As a young girl, long ago in a land nearby, I met a family that seemed idyllic. I spent time in their home, attended events and called them friends. I rode in the red, white and blue station wagon. As I grew up and lost touch, they would occasionally come to mind and as I looked back I viewed those memories through different eyes. I sensed there was more to the story. This memoir enlightened me, brought me to tears and broke my heart before I finished the first chapter. But, the worst was yet to come. This is a story of incredible brutality, the facades we project and the ability to overcome despite unspeakable suffering. It’s also a testimony of the power of faith despite failure and disappointment and the enduring faith that God works it all for the good of those who call on him.

[Brian Virtue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read many memoirs, but tried this one and it had so much I wasn't expecting. I have had a chance to get to know Rosie and Eileen and see the fruit of their journeys but had no idea how much was involved. This account was heartbreaking in so many ways. I also found myself amazed just at the sport side of the memoir as I knew nothing about it. It was wild to read as far as the backdrop of all that was happening. But Rosie captures the personal and spiritual struggles of overcoming abuse and navigating performances well - the victories and the lows. What stands out is the God who kept pursuing and inviting her to keep seeking Him no matter the situation. A story of God's faithfulness in so much pain.