All my life I have been an athlete. Whether it was middle soccer on the playground, or college lacrosse at the Deering turf. I haven't stopped and really hope to never stop playing the sports that keep me happy, not only because I enjoy being in shape, but because of the people you spend every day with for two hours in pain while coach says get on the line.., you grow a bond of hatred and love for the game.
From the first day you step on the field (or court), you feel a nervous pit in your stomaching, just hoping you will connect with someone on a pretty basic level like your position or how long you have been playing. After a while, you learn that all the people on your team, no matter how much playing time they get, or what position they play, no matter what they bring to the table, you learn to love them because in the end, your a team who has one goal - the gold.
This year, I had the honor to play with all my best friends and more on two sports teams, and unfortunately, got upset in playoffs both times. While crying with all my teammates, and hugging everyone in sight, I remembered why I play and what drives me to put on my jersey everyday to work 110 percent - my team. After every game, win or lose, we would bring the whole team together for the final cheer. Each time without a doubt, we could say "family" as loud as we could. It meant something. We didn't say it out of habit, we said it because we are a family, and we do not stand alone.
Sometimes, players can get lost in the fame and glory given to teams and individuals that are seen as successful, but its not all about the trophies. Playing multi player sports allows every individual to play a part on the field. When you start playing like a team, you'll win like a team. The fame cannot be placed on one individual. The glory is spread amongst all. In order for someone to score or be scored on, the ball must go through every individual on that field. My coach this year told my lacrosse team to embrace the small things and encourage each other; if someone makes a mistake, criticize and energize. Be the first to every ball, out hustle every opponent because you no longer play for yourself, you play for your family, you play for the name printed across your chest.
The trophies that mean the most are the people who carry your weight when you need to rest, that run the extra sprint with you when they are already finished, or who take the trophy from the championship and hand it to you because without you, the trophy wouldn't exist. Without your team, without the love and support from your coach, family, friends and others, that trophy is simply a piece of plastic taking up space on your shelf. I do love to win, and probably one of the most competitive people you'll meet, but when I win with my "family," it means a whole lot more.
dedicated to SJC lax 2015/2016, SJC Field hockey 2016, CHSWLAX, CHSFH
