Being Committed to a Team

Teamwork: the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.

Playing for a competitive team in any sport is a big deal and a huge commitment. Knowing that you are going to be a part of a team where everyone wants to be there and loves the sport just as much as you do is a factor in many athletes’ decisions to join a team. A lot of other factors go into playing for a team but the commitment level of every single person is one of the most important.

            When you commit to a team you need to make sure that everyone has the same intentions and goals for the team as you do. If what you want to accomplish is different than one of your teammates it might not be the right team for you. This goal could be making it to nationals, winning regionals, etc. You also should be informed of what conflicts your teammates will be having with practices or tournaments. If some of your teammates are going to be missing practice a lot or won’t be able to come to a tournament that could show you their dedication towards the team. Also you should find out what your teammates are giving up or sacrificing to be on this team, which could also show how dedicated someone is.

            Before you commit to a team you need to take in to consideration a lot of different things. Especially how your actions are going to affect your teammates. If you are going to miss a big tournament where college coaches are going to be watching that might affect what coaches watch your team if they are missing players. If you are going to pick a high school sport over your competitive club sport that decision is going to affect more than just yourself.

A team is a group of people that can rely on one another to accomplish a common goal. If you aren't willing to do this you shouldn't be a part of a team.

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Watching My Sisters Play

            This weekend I got to watch both of my sister’s play, which is rare because usually we have tournaments on the same weekends. It was awesome to finally get to see my sisters play. While watching I realized a lot about how much younger players look up to older players and what younger girls are thinking about when they are playing or after they lose.

            On Saturday I was in Tiffin, Iowa watching my youngest sister, Mara play. Her team is 11U but they were playing in a 12u tournament. On our way there she said “I am so glad you can finally come and see me play.” This made me realize how much it means to her that I could go watch. She was telling me how excited she was, but nervous at the same time. I told her not to be worried, you have nothing to lose. During the first game, whenever her team would get a point she jumped up and down and gave everyone high fives and it was so cool to see how much she was enjoying it. Her team ended up getting 3^rd place which was really good considering they were playing an age division up. After they lost in the semis Mara was upset and I could tell how much she wanted to win that game. It was weird because I could totally understand what she was feeling because it has happened to me many times. It’s crazy how much potential she has and I can’t wait to see what her future holds.

            On Sunday I went to West Branch to watch my other sister, Claire play. Her team is 13u and they played in the top division of 13’s with probably the best teams in the state at that age. Claire is more like me when she plays, sort of quiet but pays attention to details and is always thinking ahead. She is a libero and I was very impressed with her ability to keep the ball alive, and how consistent she was with her serve receive passes. Her team got 1^st place and I was so proud of Claire. She has things to work on but she has improved so much already since the beginning of the season and I can’t wait to see what the upcoming years have in store for her.

            After Claire’s tournament was over my mom told me that one of Claire’s teammates mom came up to her and said that her daughter looked up to me and loved how I talked to Claire’s team and got to know them and gave them compliments. This was probably the best thing anyone has ever said to me. I have always looked up to college players, but I never thought someone would look up to me like that. It was just really humbling to hear that.

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