I love the sun, warm weather and beaches. However, I wouldn't say my escape is an island or just listening to music. My escape is completely different. Having been an athlete all my life, my escape has to do with sports. I'm not the only one though.

Think about it, why would a sport be an escape? Sounds weird, but I promise I'm not the only one. Ask yourself, what makes an escape, an escape? Does it make you feel a certain way? Look at it sport by sport, maybe that'll help you understand.

To those of you who dance:

What makes it an escape? Is it the feeling of movement? How does it feel to be in a studio all alone? Or does it go deeper? Are you part of a legacy, did your family do this before you did? I'm not much of a dancer, so I asked for some help. I got just what I, and others were looking for. As many know, dance is an art, and you can do it anywhere. For instance, weddings, parties or any "target isle". "It helps me vent and let loose", "It's something I can rely on", "I can make any decision after being in the studio". It's the key to your emotions, isn't it? Has it made you who you are today? Powerful, but also graceful.

( Katrina Marcotte ~ Misty Moments Photography)

To Those Of You Who Play Football Or Basketball

Let's say football is your escape. Why? Is it the feeling of being surrounded by your own thoughts? Is it the feeling of control over the ball? What about making that field goal? Or making that basket from the half court line? Pretty cool, right?

To Those Of You Who Aim For The Fences

That's right, I'm taking to you softball players and baseball players. Why is this so great? Was it maybe the sound of the ball hitting your bat, or the feeling? Or catching that outrageous hit in to the outfield? Is it feeling great after an awesome pitch, or an awesome hit for that matter? Isn't it kind of, soothing?

To Those Who Are Willing To Be Rough Just For That Next Goal

Yep, soccer players. Coming from a former player, I adored being out on the field alone. Practicing my footwork, shooting, and simply hearing the grass being ripped from the ground because of my cleats. Sounds violent, but it was oddly relaxing.

To Those Of You With A Love For Speed

What about racing? I know a drag racer, and I asked them for help here. It's the anticipation of knowing you're about to have a great weekend, stress-free. "Nothing matters except your friends, and going fast", that has to be the most true thing about racing. When you go full throttle, how does it feel? Exhilarating? What about those seven seconds between the starting line, and finish line? You might feel kinda "free, and invincible", right?

(Maggie Ruzich)

To Those Of You Who Can Pump Up Any Crowd

YES, I'm talking about cheerleaders! This is a sport! Have you seen what these people do? I'm a cheerleader myself, but I haven't been for long. What could possibly make this an escape for anyone. I know, it's gonna sound weird. Practicing the cheers on your own, or even just the shake of your poms gets you excited and ready to cheer again, and again! It's fun being out performing. It's an adrenaline rush that no one else would understand.

To Those Of You Who Are Goons

A.K.A, Hockey players. What is it about the ice, and your teammates? Is it a way for you to get away from reality, the stress, or any uncertainties/problems you're having? What about all the team bonding, or some legendary trips to taco bell? Is it because "it's always there, and always will be"? It's weird isn't it, how no matter what, you "always come back". What about practices, do you ever challenge yourself to be better? How about when you're on the ice alone? I know, it's rare, but it can happen! It has to be nice, or is it "peaceful" to you?

(Top Left: Tacoma Rockets Top Right: Tacoma Rockets Bottom (Left to Right): James Martin, BJ Sedgwick, Michael Welch)

To Those Of You Who Defy Gravity

No, I'm not talking theater here. I'm talking gymnastics. Coming from a gymnast, defying gravity was more than just "fun". Like dance, expressing yourself through your routines was difficult, but rewarding. Taking risks, and trying to fly was always a plus. How was this an escape though? Whenever it was just me and maybe a couple other people in the gym, I knew I was safe and at peace. Once I was done stretching, had my game plan, and all my tape jobs finished, I was happy. Hearing your own sounds was soothing, just your landings on the mat or the floor, even the beam. It was when I was my happiest. I can be powerful, and elegant at the same time, I can let my anger out through gymnastics, my stress and worries. It didn't matter what the obstacle was, I could get through it with gymnastics. Plus, feeling like your flying was pretty dang cool too.

To any athlete, don't be afraid to say a sport is your escape. Let a sport be your gateway to being stress-free, and happy. It doesn't matter if you rev an engine, throw your pom-poms over your head, get chalk everywhere, or even take the body. No matter how fast you can throw your ball to the home plate, or how far you can hit a golf ball at the sixth hole for shot at a hole in one, or how hard you can spike a ball in volleyball, or even how fast you can run in track. It doesn't matter how fast you can swim, or how awesome your dive is, or how long it takes you to pin someone down in wrestling, and whatever other sports I haven't mentioned. We all have something in common, we trust our athletics.

Thanks to Katrina Marcotte, Maggie Ruzich, James Martin, BJ Sedgwick, and Michael Welch (and the rest of the Tacoma Rockets) for all your help and contributing to the piece!!