To My Teammates:
Start writing a post
Sports

To My Teammates:

There's something I want you to know about me.

29
To My Teammates:

When I play I know I do so with low confidence. Every time I pick up a ball I get reminded of when this all started. But, some of you think that when I get upset at myself I have bad sportsmanship. No. I get upset because I do not want to disappoint you all. I wanted to be on this team because I wanted to be a part of a family. Not just to give me something to do. But, I want you to know why I get upset when I mess up:

I had played basketball from when I was five until I was thirteen. I gave that sport my all. My everything. I was trying out for seventh grade basketball when I did not make the cut. That was my family and frankly the only friends I had in the school. After this, it all went downhill. The next day a girl on the team, who I thought was my friend, began telling our whole class of 2021 that I did not make the cut. Along with this she made fun of me because I wasn't good enough. This tore me up. I did not know who to talk to or trust, so, I just simply didn't.

My eighth grade year I decided I wanted to try something different. I went to most volleyball open gyms and joined a separate league to try and improve my skills. I know that I wasn't as good as the other girls, but I wanted to keep trying. Tryout day came and I didn't make the team. My confidence level dropped a little more. Again, no friends, no team, no family.

My freshman year I played softball. I actually made the team this time. My confidence went up a notch because I felt like I could do something. When game time came, I hit the ball and ran. But, I am not a fast runner. I will give it my all but there is always something wrong with me. When I got back to the dugout I got scolded for not running faster by my coach and fellow teammates. I tried to explain that I was running my fastest, but my fasted was not good enough. I broke down in front of my teammates because I knew I wasn't good enough. My confidence went lower than it had before.

Now, it's my junior year. I finally found something I am passionate about. It may not be basketball, volleyball, or even softball. I'm starting varsity on the girls bowling team. All the time I get, "Bowling isn't even a sport" but to me, it is. It gave me people I can rely on when I struggle and calm me down when I get frustrated. But, some people on the team are not that nice. I constantly get criticized by one person if I get flustered. But, little does she know that there is a reason. Again, my confidence level dropped lower than it ever had. But, it's okay because I'm strong and I'll recover when I come back next season better than ever.

There is something I want everyone who read this to take away; be nice to everyone. You never know what they have gone through so try to pick them back up. Bringing someone down is only going to make it worse for them and yourselves. Just remember that all the small things can add up.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57581
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37095
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958819
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191428
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments