Imagine: a day of word purging. The one day out of the year where you can say absolutely anything you want to anyone and not be chastised for it, and the next day, no one remembers any of it. What a wondrous day that would be.
Now, one occasion that this "holiday" would come in handy for would be back in high school, particularly for the basketball team. And anyone who has ever played girls basketball in high school, I think you will intensely understand the struggles. So, here are 20 things that would've (or maybe should've) been said in the locker room or on the court:
1. We are a) white girls from the suburbs, and b) none of us are over 5'8''. Tell me more about how you think we're "practicing for the next level."
2. You're wearing makeup to practice? And you wonder why you have acne...
3. There are more than 2 people on this team. Pass the ball, you selfish, selfish girl. You are why I hate Kobe.
4. Varsity Teammate: I hope you guys lose your next game. *laughs*
JV Teammate: It must be nice to have no soul.
5. *to the loud parents in the crowd* Hey, are you the coach? Do you want to come out here and play? Yeah, I didn't think so. Now put a zipper to those lips. Please and thank you.
6. Coach, do I seriously have to guard the exorcist-looking girl? I'm afraid. You can't make me! I'm only 15, I haven't lived!
7. When you show up to the tournament and all the girls are African American. Yep, we're gonna lose.
8. Ew! Some girl just brushed up against me for the rebound and transferred her nasty sweat. I'm going to throw up.
9. *to opposing player* BOOM! Better play some D, little girl. I keep draining them IN YO FACE.
10. If this chick does not keep elbowing me, someone is gonna get hurt.
11. *blocks someone's shot* NOT IN MY HOUSE! Sit down!
12. *gets fouled hard*
*crowd yells* WAKE UP REF!
*to the girl* I'm picturing the net as your face once I make these foul shots.
13. Speaking negatively about your teammates again? I remember when I was in middle school. Grow up, chica.
14. Clicks? That's such a bright idea for a TEAM. I'll just be over here treating everyone equally and with respect.
15. Coach, look, I know some of the parents are being annoying, but you gotta take their kid out. Miss "my mom works for the school" is playing like utter crap right now.
16. Am I the only one who isn't out for themselves tonight? I wonder why we aren't winning?
17. Omg! Another girl with Sport Specs.
*grabs that girl's attention* HEY TWIN! Want to not give a damn what people think about our glasses together?
18. So, you're talking to me now because the coach is here, but I'll see you in the hallway later and I'm invisible? Makes so much sense!
19. I wonder what it's like to play with girls who are supportive and genuinely nice people... I guess I'll never know.
20. I'm just gonna go out there and play some ball like I know how: with heart. Now let's have some fun, ladies!
Okay, all jokes aside, being involved in a sport in high school was nothing short of fun. Chasing those loose balls down the court and hearing the crowd roar when we were in the lead was indescribable. We also learn plenty of valuable lessons and skills we can bring with us in the next step of our journey. Whether or not we happened to be on a team that wasn't so great to play with, it's just the luck of the draw and how we choose to act is the pure reflection of our attitudes. We should all advise our younger siblings and the next generation of kids ready to engage in recreational and school sports to learn selflessness before even trying out. It isn't about you; your hard work is for the betterment of the whole. You're representing your school when you don that jersey, so play with everything you have and be there for your fellow teammates, always.