Personal Narrative: The Sport Of Basketball

I have been playing high school basketball as a Lady Hornet since my freshman year, and I firmly believe that I have given tremendous effort into being the most valuable player that I can be. Ever since I was a child, I have had an immense passion for the game of basketball. My mother played collegiate basketball at William Carey University, so all throughout my childhood, she was my main inspiration to play. I will be forever indebted to her for pushing me to play the fantastic sport of basketball because I have no idea who I would be without it. While playing this sport for almost thirteen years, I have learned many valuable lessons along the way that have influenced the way I live out my life.

To begin, I gradually discovered how to react to constructive criticism and tough love because my coaches have pushed my teammates and I

to our breaking points.

I never anticipated that when I decided to play basketball, I would endure so much pain, soreness, or diversity, but I was inevitability mistaken. Basketball has taught me how to compete as a team with teammates whom you might not get along with. As in any sport, teams go through many ups and downs together throughout the years. When times get demanding and strenuous, as teammates, we have to encourage each other, build our strength up together, and keep good character through it all. My late grandfather always preached to me about never letting my circumstances define my character, and I find myself teaching my teammates, friends, and classmates more about that saying each day. Additionally, I do not consider myself a defeatist because I have never quit a sport or activity in life because it got challenging, problematic, or more demanding. My grandfather also taught me to press through the tough times in life, and I would be rewarded in some way. Now the reward was not money nor fame, for it was a profound understanding that I would never be handed anything in life because I had to earn it. In

addition, basketball has shown me how to display sportsmanship throughout practices and games. I have learned through the years that a simple encouraging word or a helping hand can make the world a difference. Moreover, I believe that being there for your fellow teammates is one of the most vital qualities an athlete can have. I imagine that without the constant encouragement and love from my teammates I would not be able to survive the trials we as a team tackle daily. Sometimes in basketball, nothing a player can do is right, no matter how hard they are trying to succeed. The game of basketball has taught me how to overcome the hindering word of failure because I now know that I can only learn from my mistakes.
Overall, basketball has shaped me into the person that I am today, and I will forever be grateful to the people in my life for the ceaseless support that I have received from them. The lessons that I have learned through my many years of playing basketball are rooted deep inside me, and I will carry them with me all the days of my life. Additionally, I have learned that almost every sport can be compared to the game of life, so it is incredibly important to never give up and push through the hard times. In conclusion, life and basketball both move quickly, so make the most out of every second on the clock.