For love of the game

Fall Favorites Continued…

#9- Sports.

My life would be dull without the endless screaming, jumping and cheering that goes along with watching a team. Whether it be on TV, on the field hockey field or the soccer pitch, sports offer something quite like nothing else. I am so blessed to be healthy and able to play so many different sports and activities year round. I really try not to take that for granted as it is not so easy for many people. Even though I love playing sports, I like watching them equally as much. I will watch anything, really. When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is make my coffee and turn on Sports Center. When I was in college the last 2 years I ate dinner alone every night in the Commons with 20+ dudes and ESPN on the TV. I was quite all right with it. I think I’m slightly obsessed with these sweaty, competitive men and women because they inspire me and remind me of how awesome it is to push yourselves and work with teammates to reach a common goal. I learned at a young age through sports to be unselfish, humble and that I was capable of anything. Even now I continue to try new things and reach new limits. I am inspired when I see athletes using their platform to inspire others and pass along their knowledge of the game. I love seeing teams overcome adversity and challenges to become closer on and off the court. I love that a “simple” game can teach you some of life’s hardest lessons and allow a person to channel emotions and fears that would otherwise stay built up inside. I have been blessed to follow my sister’s field hockey career since she was a freshman in high school. She was always so aggressive but what got her far in her career was her heart. I have never seen anyone put in more time, effort and sweat than her. And I’m not talking about during the season- she worked her butt off all year long. Rain or snow, broken finger/ankle or not she literally never stopped. Because of her determination she played for a successful college team, played Center Mid (intense!), made a TON of defensive saves, scored a goal, had some assists and was part of a team that played in the NCAA National Championship game. Then, she was asked to stay and coach and was back at the Final Four this weekend. She is just one example of an athlete that followed her heart and allowed her love of the game to grow her as a person. She works just as hard in everything that she does and she has had to overcome A LOT of challenges within herself and her team at times, but nevertheless, she kept her faith and one day she will lead her own team to great victory, both on the field and off of it. I have a lot of love for the game and I will gladly talk to anyone about any sport, any time, on any day.