There are so many things that make me, me. Things like my personality, my family, friends, sports, my humor, and even things like my ice maker. But if I were to choose one true thing, without a doubt, it would be basketball. Basketball is more than just a sport; it’s my life. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is or if something major just happened in my life; basketball is always on my mind. However, it can also evoke a range of different emotions in me. Things like frustration, comfort, happiness, and even anxiety. When im stressed from all the things in my life, one of the only things that can calm me down is putting my headphones in and going outside to shoot. When im happy and want something to do, the first thing that comes to my mind is basketball. When I have the ball in my hand, instantly every thought shuts down, and the only thing on my mind is putting in the work and getting better.
Basketball has also brought me down as a person at times. Keeping up with all of the practices, games, and going to the gym can be so draining. It can also be a lot on your body, and getting injured is one of the worst feelings ever. Having to watch your team play, have fun, and maybe even win without you is not the way you want to watch. It’s hard to try to be happy for them when you know you could be out there making a difference to the team. But if you try to play through your injury like most athletes do your just making everything worse for you in the future. Basketball, being at the time, it is also doesn’t help. Winter is the hardest season to get through, and it helps me through that. Also, just the environment around you is hard to deal with. People doubting you, making fun of you, telling you you’re not good enough, and coaches not seeing any potential in you.
On the other hand, basketball has brought me so many amazing things. Having the opportunity to go to all these tournaments across the United States is such a cool thing. You meet so many different types of people and teams. I have played basketball basically my whole life, so I have been on many different teams. Doing that, I have made so many friends and have met some really cool people. It has also taught me to be the best version of myself. I have learned how to be a leader and bring my teammates up. There is nothing better than having a good game and spreading positive energy to bring my team up.
No matter where I go in life, basketball will always be there for me when my words and peers aren’t. It will truly always be the one true thing about myself.
