One of the best choices I made as a kid was joining a sports team. In 3rd grade, I started playing for my school's basketball team, and then in 6th grade, I joined a town softball league. With both of these experiences, I had so much fun and learned a lot.I had amazing coaches who helped to shape my understanding of the sports and my ability to work with others. I honestly don't know what my life would look like if I hadn't joined a team sport.

Aside from providing an outlet for energy and exercise, there is so much to learn in being a part of a team. Team sports give kids a chance to develop their social skills and problem-solve within a group. It's almost like a group project, but without all the headaches. Having to navigate working with other personalities and combine skills to reach a certain goal is a valuable part of growing up.

Being part of a team also gives kids the opportunity to see how their actions affect other people. If I missed a practice or didn't give my best effort during a game, the whole team would suffer. I couldn't just think about myself because I had a whole team counting on me to do my part. That was one thing that I loved: when you're on a team, you are a part of something bigger than yourself. It helps to teach kids to be aware of themselves and their actions.

Too many people are sore losers. I've seen many kids throw fits because they lose a game of some kind, which isn't a good display of sportsmanship. One of the best things a team can experience is losing a game or match. Not only does losing create a passion for working harder and doing better the next time, it also teaches players that no one can win every time. My coaches always showed us the importance of being a good sport no matter the outcome.

Being on a team is also a great way to make new friends. There is a certain level of trust that must be had between teammates, and that trust creates lasting friendships. Spending time working together and pushing each other to do better makes a sort of support system that is like a little family.

I miss being part of a team. Having a role in something bigger than myself, getting to make new friends, and learning how to work with others was a huge part of my childhood, and I'm so grateful for it. I am so glad that my parents pushed me to play on a team, and I would recommend it to anyone. With all of the things you learn from team sports, it is such a valuable extracurricular that can make a huge difference in so many areas of your life.