Why Basketball Is Important To Me Research Paper

Basketball is a tough sport that requires physical, mental, and emotional strength and preparation. I never knew that when I laced up my first pair of basketball shoes in third grade and stepped onto the court, that this would become one of the single most important events in my life. In doing so, basketball has accounted for most of my achievements, values and goals, including my family, my community, and my peers.

The first thing I was taught by my basketball coach was that a basketball player had to be tough. It was constantly installed in our heads that we had no other choice than to be stronger than we thought we were. This has shown in all of my achievements. There has been numerous times during games or even in school that I thought I would not be good enough, but still gave my best anyways. This has led to many opportunities that I thought I would never get. My need to always strive to be better than everybody, including myself, shows in my grades.

My coaches have installed in me the motive to fight for what I want, but they have also taught me that I have to earn it.
The coaches taught my team to appreciate one another and present good values.

At a young age, we were taught to believe in each other and always do what is best for the team. As a child, I could be stubborn at times and think that my way was the only way, but once I became a basketball player, I learned that there are many different solutions and that it is okay to make mistakes. Basketball has taught me to respect others and be the best person I can be.

While playing basketball, I have learned to set many goals. Not just mediocre, easy to carry out goals, but goals that make me have to raise my standards and reach my full potential. One example is the ACT test. I thought I was pretty successful receiving a 27 on my second time taking the test. I was ready to settle, but deep down I knew I could do better so I took the test again. Since I took a chance and got out of my comfort zone, I ended up scoring higher on the test. Without the influence of basketball, I might not have taken than

chance.
Basketball has taught me to appreciate my family, my community, and my peers. As I get older, more time is put into the sport. Practices are everyday, along with possible games on the weekends. This makes moments spent with my family more appreciated because of the few chances I get. Due to the success of basketball, I get to represent my community. I can honestly say that basketball brings the community together. Everyone has each other’s backs and that is an amazing feeling. During basketball games, anyone could see the faces of small children looking up to us. I know that my peers look up to me so I use this to my advantage. I present myself as a confident leader and set a good example for others to follow. As a known leader, it is easy to positively influence the future of my community and peers.
Playing basketball has become one of the most important events in my life. It has taught me how to be a team player and work hard for everything. Basketball has made me want to apply for the HUGE scholarship to Nebraska Wesleyan University because I know that with all of the hard work that I have put into school, it makes me a good candidate for this scholarship.