Many people in my life have helped me grow and learn from day to day. But there has been something in my life that isn't really an object, a belief or person, which I have to thank for bringing me to where I am today. Sports has been a big part of my life for the last seven years. I have dabbled in many sports, but the three main sports I have played are volleyball, basketball and soccer. Each has molded me in different ways.
Of course, being an athlete has pushed me in many ways. Starting in the junior high level and continuing onto high school varsity, I am now blessed enough to play my favorite sport—volleyball—in college. It challenges you in ways no textbook ever could. Whether my team was running thousands upon thousands of steps and I didn't think my legs could take one more, or it was game point and we were down by 10, sports has pushed me to go beyond my physical limits and beyond the limits of things I thought possible.
I always love a good story of the underdog rising above the odds. You can look at many classic sports movies and see the the pressures and disbelief, but also see the perseverance through it to the end. I have had the honor of being a part of some amazing underdog stories. But I have also been on the other side. I have lost games that we were expected to win. I have fought neck and neck into extra games or double overtime. As an athlete, you experience it all. Sports to me is not just a game, and it is not just a team. Sports has a way of teaching you valuable life lessons without you even realizing it.
Recently, as a freshman on my volleyball team at Houghton College, I have learned the importance of humility and patience. When I transitioned from my athletic career as a senior in high school, I was near the top of the food chain, but when I entered the world of volleyball in college, it was quite an adjustment. I went through my entire fall season without touching the court one time. I worked hard during every practice and I could definitely see improvement in my game. My coach, who I might add is much wiser than I and knew better than I did, was aware that this was hard for me emotionally. At the same time, however, I think she knew that this was best for me and the team, though at the time it did not make life any easier for me. Later on, I did have my shot, and I valued it more than I ever would have before. And by that time I was better prepared for success. It humbled me and made me realize that I had to work that much harder to be where I wanted to be to play alongside my talented teammates.
My teammates have encouraged me continuously and are an example to me on and off the court. I am so blessed to be able to say that. They are family, and every team I have ever had is family. Every coach I have had has helped me to learn, sometimes more life lessons than on the court or the field. Sports has raised me not only to be an athlete but to be a person that puts the team's best interests at heart before my own desires. It has taught me to believe against the odds. It has taught me that victory has 90% to do with my heart and my mind and only 10% to do with my skill.
Here is to all the athletes!
