Sports are, and always will be, a uniting factor in so many peoples' lives. In my life, I've made so many new connections, learned so many lessons, and learned so much about myself. My various sports teams have taught me so many things that I could have never learned otherwise, and could have not lived without. They are, and will remain, memorable and valuable times in my life.

1. Leadership

Though it may not mean being the team captain, being a leader on a team means that you show up on time (or early), you listen to what your coach tells you and you are diligent in carrying out those orders. It may mean that you give up free time to stay on the course, at the gym, or on the track, but you stay motivated to get better. In turn, you are able to inspire others to do the same.

2. Discipline

Long hours in the gym are probably not your idea of fun. Yet, you choose to stay, sweating like nobody’s business, and get things done. You learn to do every drill right and know it like the back of your hand. You touch the line when coach orders a suicide or push harder at the track to beat your time limit. You learn to push, harder than you ever thought possible.

3. Confidence

The confidence its takes to step out and do well is overwhelming. Sports have given me guts to do things I never thought I would be able to do. Setting PRs (Personal Records) in track, finally hitting that side three shot or finishing the ten-foot putt for par gives you confidence in every aspect. Seeing that glimpse of improvement gives you a confidence that carries out in your attitude and your personality. It all leads to confidence in who you are as a person.

4. Time Management

Homework, practice, chores and workout are all part of the crazy mess of in-season. Relationships are stretched to the thinnest because, well, you just don’t have time. You learn how to make time for the most important things. You prioritize, you complete and you rest. You learn how to make the most of every spare moment you have.

5. Commitment

Pre-season and post-season workouts are not to be overlooked. Once the season is finally over, you start all over again. You give up some sleep and parts of your summer, and you go practice so when season comes, you’ll be ready. You stay committed to your sports in and out of season by eating right and staying in shape.

6. Optimism

There is always going to be someone better than you- at everything. There will always be room for improvement. The good thing about this is, you can always get better. There is not a limit to your ability. You can always, always work harder and get better. Knowing this helps encourage you to stretch your limits, reach for things you never wanted to before and have an actual work ethic.

7. Patience

When you don’t get drills done correctly or it’s just an off day, you learn to be patient. You learn to take your time, focus on one thing to improve on for the day and keep pushing towards the goal. You learn how to pick out the good before you give up. You learn how to remain composed and confident even on the worst days.

8. Teamwork

Teamwork is an integral part of life. We will work with people we don’t get along with just to finish a project. Sports teach you how to succeed even with different personalities and abilities. You learn how to play up others’ strengths in areas where you are lacking, or how to help others in their own weak areas.

9. Perseverance

It takes so much work to be good at something. When participating in a sport, you have to try, try and try again. You can’t just give up because you aren’t right the first time. You dig in, and you endure. Eventually, you succeed.

10. Failure

You learn how to fail. You actually learn how to fail, and do it well. As you lose games and fall just short of the mark, you learn how to fail with grace. You don’t always need to succeed. You learn how to accept the bad things in life as well as you do the good. There are more things to life than the game, and the experiences you have are more valuable than the single season, game or even practice. By failing, you learn how to appreciate the successes.

11. Motivation

You learn how to motivate yourself and those around you. You learn what the best things to do in different situations are, and you adapt to those situations. You learn how to react to your failures in a positive manner. Your motivation towards others inspires them to want to succeed. You learn to make an impact.

Playing a sport is an amazing journey that not everyone is fit for, but you, my friend, you have succeeded and will continue to succeed with the lessons that have carried from this sport. You have a team that is like a family to you, amazing memories and maybe even some pretty cool metals or plaques to remind you of all of this! Keep succeeding, persevering and being confident. You are more than amazing.