Sports by definition are an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. Yes, sports are entertaining to watch and be apart of but you also learn so much, a lot about yourself and others. Not only are you learning but you can meet several influential people that change your life.

Throughout my years growing up and all the numerous sports I've played, I've met a lot of great people that will be in my life forever. For example, coaches who showed me the love they had for a game which only made getting a win that much better, not even for yourself, rather the smile my coach would have after a thrilling, nail-biting, much deserved win. Sports have allowed me to make tons of friends that I know will always be there for me even if I don't see them as often as I like.

I personally have learned some hard lessons from athletics.

They have showed me the importance of school and why going everyday to school or class is just as important as going to a practice.

I've been taught to stick with it, and never quit; maybe my team wasn't good one year but that never mean't skipping practice or not giving 110% at all times wasn't needed because it was, and it always is. No matter your record, if you're the super-star or not, you're on a team, and showing up to practice is the key to making not only yourself better but every single person on that team the best they can possibly be.

They have taught me how to be a leader in age where being a follower is the easiest thing to do. When you have a good coach behind you, you learn the right way to handle things. For example, you could easily join in on the little scrum after the whistle, but you're reminded that you can't help your team from the penalty box.

Sports have taught me how to take care of my body and be active. During preseasons you learn to drink as much water as possible and rest up. Or during the summer, when sports are maybe on their off-season, I felt the want to get moving, so I was constantly playing some backyard game. Even when I'm no longer competing in sports, I'll remember the days I didn't drink enough water and felt terrible.

They have taught me the importance of friendships, and that you should do whatever you can for your teammates, they put in as much work as you, so lay it all out there for them.

Because of sport I've learned to be thankful of my parents, they have sacrificed a lot and put a lot of money towards athletics, just so I can have some fun and grow as a person. But seriously they can never be thanked enough for the countless hours driving to different practices, games, or even out of town tournaments (sometimes even practice to practice or game to practice).

Sports are a big part of my life, whether I'm on the court, field, or ice rink or maybe watching from the stands, I will owe a lot to the games I've played because they have shaped me as a person. Hopefully one day I'm teaching kids these important lessons and being able to coach them to victory.