Sports have been a huge part of my life ever since the mere age of 4. Each one of the teams I've been on have had a unique dynamic- new teammates, new places, new coaches, new crowds, new opponents, new strengths, new challenges. But it wasn't until I got to the high school level that I started to appreciate sports as more than just a game. I started looking at them as opportunities to grow not just as a player, but as a person as well.
1. Listen to what people say, not how they say it.
This is a phrase my varsity basketball coach used often and it has stuck with me ever since. You know when your coach gets so mad and starts yelling and that little vein in their head pops out and scares everyone? When this happens, it's easy to get caught up in the tone of their voice rather than what they're actually saying to you. It is important to pay attention to the words, not the emotion.
2. A loss is only a loss if you don't learn anything from it.
You're going to lose; it's a fact of life. It's about whether or not you learn from your mistakes. The more mistakes you make, the more resilient you will become. As long as you proactively learn from these mistakes and adapt your approach accordingly, you will never truly suffer a loss.
3. Dwelling in the past will only hinder your current performance. Let it go.
You can't move forward if you're stuck in the past. You have to keep your mind on the task at hand. You can't go back and change anything, so why waste your time worrying about it? While self-reflection is important, it's not good to dwell. Live in the present. Focus on the now.
4. Practice doesn't make perfect, it makes permanent. 
We all know the age-old saying, "Practice makes perfect." But does it really? Repetition creates habit, not perfection. The way you practice something is the way you're going to do it in a game. Likewise, in life, how you prepare for yourself for the future reflects how you're going to succeed.
5. Body language speaks volumes.
Before you even open your mouth, you're sending a message. Your words aren't the only way of communication. The way you carry yourself tells a lot about how you're feeling about a situation. Be aware of what kind of vibe you're giving off to others.
6. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.
This quote was originated by high school basketball coach Tim Notke and has been a prominent source of inspiration to many ever since. Why? Because it rings true in every situation- not just in athletics. A not-as-skilled hard worker will always beat out a talented but lazy person. Effort is everything.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
If you have a question, ask it. Period. Even if you think it's stupid. Chances are, someone else is probably thinking the same thing but is too afraid to ask.
8. Life isn't fair.
There are going to be times in life when things don't go your way. It happens. When unfair situations arise, you have to accept it as it is. Focus on what you can control. The best thing you can do is take the L and move on.
9. The community around you is just as important as the team itself.
Surrounding yourself with the right people is so important. You want people who are going to build you up and encourage you, not tear you down. Without the support of a loving community, reaching your full potential will be more of a challenge. Get the hype squad together and forge on!
10. It's not all about you.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. It's a hard truth, but truth nonetheless. Selflessness is such an amazing attribute to have. The sacrifices you make for the better of the team will not go unnoticed. Give more than you receive. The world does not revolve around you.
Special thanks to all the coaches and teammates I had over the years who taught me these valuable life lessons on and off the court/field. You guys rock!
