People often ask me why I continued to play sports in college. They wonder why it's worth the frustrations, lack of a social life and exhaustion. And honestly, half of the time I do not even have an answer, but I know that it's worth it nonetheless. Most athletes understand the idea of a love hate relationship with your sport. Because although it tests you and pushes you to your limits, it also teaches you valuable life lessons. I've been playing sports since I was three or four years old, and I can honestly say that I do no think I would be the person I am today without having been an athlete. The first thing sports taught me was to never, ever give up.
Whether it's the ominous fitness test or just a hard drill at practice, determination and tenacity are the only ways to survive the challenges life inevitably brings. As I get older I appreciate this more. Because once you've gone to college, you no longer have your parents there for assistance and have to learn how to push through hardships on your own.
Many sports involve physical contact, so it also teaches you, literally, when you fall back down, get back up. Injuries happen, whether they are big or small, get up, shake it off, and keep going. Fight through adversity. However, you always have your teammates there to help you back up as well. The bond of a teammate is unable to replicate. No matter what the situation, they are always there for you. On a team, everybody is working toward the same goal, whether it's winning a game or a conference championship, all members experience the challenge of achieving that goal together.
Another thing I learned from my sport is how to deal with failure. Although you and your teammates may set numerous goals, it does not necessarily mean that every goal set will be accomplished. Winning is almost as important as losing because losing builds character. It teaches you to behave maturely and respectfully even when you're disappointed. Losing also teaches determination because, after a loss, the only thing one can do is move forward and try to improve.
Finally, sports taught me how to conquer my fears. It can be challenging to put your whole heart into a game when you are never sure of the outcome. This means that every time you step onto the field, you must do so with the same passion because if you don't, the fear of failure will taint the joy achieved from playing. Yes, playing sports can be challenging and they teach you numerous life lessons, but they should and do bring immeasurable amounts of joy because succeeding in your sport is a feeling like no other.
