Ever since I was 4 years old, I have been involved in a sport. It started out with soccer (which I hated) and evolved into karate, softball, basketball, field hockey and track and field.
I loved the competition but also loved the bonds formed. I am friends with some of my best friends because of the weekends spent at softball practices and games and early morning field hockey preseason workouts.
Because of the tough practices and games we went through, we became sisters both on and off the field.
I am forever grateful for all of the memories.
I learned so much from participating in athletics.
The responsibility of your own actions, how teamwork really is everything. The triumph of mastering the skill from that drill and using it during a pivotal part of the game.
The accountability of yourself and your fellow teammates when you left your water bottles all over the field (and had to run and run and run as a punishment). The heartbreak, frustration, and perseverance that comes out of a tough overtime loss, followed by a silent bus ride home.
These are all characteristics you can't teach or learn in a classroom.
Whether my parents knew I'd form these bonds and learn these important life lessons when they signed that blonde-haired little girl up for youth soccer, or if they just wanted somewhere for me to burn energy, I am so grateful that they signed me up.