You know all about the time I devoted to playing soccer, running circles in track and field, and swinging for the fences in fastpitch softball. My experiences flirting with throwing the javelin and competing in those other sports were both enjoyable and memorable, yet my heart was always focused on you.
From the fourth grade on, you have been my athletic priority. Running track and cross country was undertaken to improve my cardiovascular fitness and overall conditioning for you. Throwing javelin was aimed at increasing my strength and explosiveness with you firmly in mind. Each day, my thoughts and actions consistently revolved around how I can maximize my opportunities with you. This spark was lit within this little girl with a big dream dating back to recesses at Oak Heights Elementary in Lynnwood, Washington. She donned high-rising adidas tube socks paired with white tank tops, highlighting her noodle arms as she competed fearlessly against the boys. As the years have passed and (thankfully) my eye for fashion has improved, my affinity for you has grown exponentially.
Basketball, you are the constant giver that fills my life with positivity and much needed personal growth. I have met lifelong friends that I will one day invite to my wedding, impactful coaches and mentors that have helped shape me into who I am today, and been tested by people that have forced me to constructively look deeper into the mirror. You have been the vessel that has brought so many people into my life. I get to keep smiling and sharing special moments with many of them in the future thanks in large part to you. In addition to bringing mentors and coaches into my life to provide me with invaluable guidance, you have also directly been an influential teacher for me. You’ve taught me how to be a great teammate, putting the success of the team above my own personal contributions and accolades. I have learned to wholeheartedly cheer for the success of other people, bounce back from “failure,” the importance of expressing positive body language, and the tremendously powerful impacts of a positive mindset. You have taught me how to establish the discipline and work ethic necessary to achieve goals and have motivated me to continue reaching for that best version of myself. Throughout my high school and college years, you have fueled tremendous growth within me as a person and have shown me that I can use basketball to produce joy and happiness for others, resulting in so much more than simply being an athlete.
Basketball, you continue to allow me to inspire other people. You have given me a remarkable platform to positively impact others. I am both grateful and humbled for that privilege. On a daily basis, I seek to maximize the impacts of that provided platform. I freely and happily give buckets of sweat that emerges from my skin in abnormally large quantities (not an exaggeration as some teammates have refused to high-five me for that reason), the blood of another battle scar memorably earned, and tears of disappointment because I know the sacrifice is for more than just myself. Basketball, your presence in my life allows me to provide a simple high-five, smile, positive comment, or seemingly small hug to a fan and create a meaningful connection and memory in that person’s life.
Thank you for shining your light through me. The people you have allowed me to impact, and ultimately connect with, have given me back so much more in return than I could have ever imagined. You encouraged me to shift away from a singular-focused, glory-seeking mindset and towards a healthier perspective of how I can use basketball as a tool to create positive change in the lives of those around me. You have helped me become a better player and, more importantly, a better person.