Most athletes have somewhat of a love hate relationship with the sport that they play. Sometimes that sport feels like more of a job than an extracurricular activity. Sometimes it isn't fun. It's not like it used to be. It stresses you out, it tears down your body, and it takes up your time, but it also feels like a part of you.
A lot of college athletes have been participating in their sport since they were young. Some may have bounced around and tried them all until they found the one that brought them the most joy. Some may have loved what they do from the start. Some may have just stuck to their game because they were good at it. But almost all can agree that not every moment is/has been pleasant.
I have been a cheerleader for thirteen years now. Some may disagree that this is even a sport, that's fine. I don't argue. I can throw one-hundred and twenty pound girls in the air and I can do flips. That's a sport in my eyes regardless of the fact that there is no scoreboard, but that is beside the point. I have been broken and bruised, I have been emotionally bulldozed, and I have experienced defeat because of what I do. I have also won a national championship, I have travelled across the world, and I have pushed myself harder than I ever though possible thanks to this sport.
We athletes have been shaped tremendously by the sport we play. It may be throwing a football or throwing a person, but regardless the team aspect is still there. We have learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and respect. We have accepted criticism. We have accepted guidance. We all understand that, as cliche as it may sound, there is no ME in team. Our sport has taught us to be good students, good athletes, and good people.
Don't get me wrong, it is hard a lot of the time. There is no doubt about it. Coming home after practice wrapped in ice at ten o'clock at night isn't fun when you have class at eight a.m. The beating we allow our body to take for the sake of the game we love is incredible. Sometimes quitting seems like the best option, but we all know that the love for the sport outweighs the hate and we all know that none of us would be the same without it.
