For the past eight years of my life field hockey has been one of my many passions. Through blood, sweat, tears, laughs, inside jokes and preseason, there are so many things that I have learned about myself and about the game that I wouldn't have been taught without it (I am sure if you have seen the game, have heard about it or played it, you will immediately recognize some of these life lessons that I will mention). As I begin spring training with my team, I am reminded yet again about how much I have missed and appreciated the sport.
Lesson #1: When life (or a person) pushes you, push back (not the person, though; please don't get carded).
When the game of life starts, we immediately figure out what we need to watch out for. Sometimes it pushes us from behind when we least expect it, or hooks our sticks and yanks familiar things away from us. But, when things like this happen, we need to push back — not with actual force, but with our mind and our energy. Work harder, think faster and ask for help when you need it. You are not alone on the field; you have teammates in front, in back and to the side of you and fans to cheer you on. So, even when people play dirty and make your life sucky, just remember to keep going and give it your all.
Lesson #2: Your teammates are your family forever.
Preseason is the most stressful time of the season. But, it is also important for forming bonds and friendships. Transitioning into college for freshmen is difficult, but when you have a team to help you and support you, it makes things so much better. Without field hockey, the entrance to college this past fall would have been so hard, but everyone was so helpful and with our "stick sisters" and devotionals kept us energized and focused on God. Our team was stronger and more united than any other team I have ever seen. Off the field, bonding is almost natural and meeting up with teammates brings everyone closer together. Going from class to class and seeing people puts a smile on your face. They not only become your team, but your family; everyone knows quirks and interests about people, and their backgrounds. In life, bonds like these are important when you are having a bad day or when you just want to get coffee.
Lesson #3: Working harder makes you faster and stronger.
This is one of the biggest and hardest lessons to learn in field hockey, and you actually feel it. When you don't work out and keep up with exercise out of season, you really feel it. It's a pain in the butt (literally). Practice, diligence and discipline are needed on and off the field in order to succeed. When you put all of this into "play" you will reach your "goal." When you have classes in college, if you don't work hard, study and/or do homework, you really feel it when you get an exam back. Setting goals is all part of the game; you know that you need to work on and what to strive for. Not reaching it the first time is OK! That is what practice is for. Field hockey has taught me discipline in my work wherever I am. I know that if I don't put in the effort and do my homework, someone else will get the spot that I wanted because they put in the extra effort. So push yourself and don't procrastinate.
Lesson #4: Don't forget to have a break for fun.
Lastly, all work and no fun brings people down and wears them out. Part of being a team is going out and bonding. Practicing in 90-degree weather during preseason is best rewarded with trips to the ice cream parlor or the beach. Life without a few breaks is boring. Field hockey is meant to be fun, exciting and butt-kickingly awesome! There is a reason that it is a team sport and not individualistic; people raise you up and make you look good when it's all done right.
Field hockey is a unique sport that people have enjoyed for a long time. Each aspect of it relates to life and makes us better people. Whether it's pushing life back, spending time with your sisters (or brothers), or working your butt off for a spot that you want, field hockey has taught me and many others about why team sports help you in life and make you happier and healthier!
