More Than A Game
Imagine yourself ready to serve for game point, thoughts racing, heart thumping, hands sweating. The results of years of skill-building and hard work that have led to that very moment. The world vanishes in that instant, leaving just the thrill of the game and the feeling of what lies ahead. This surreal feeling came from passion, as sports were an integral part of my childhood, not just a hobby. I was always drawn to various sports as a kid, whether that be kicking a soccer ball or shooting hoops. These encounters not only filled my week with happiness but profoundly impacted the person I am today. I remember the day I stepped on a volleyball court I fell in love with the sport. I first joined at 11 years old and was both anxious and overjoyed to join a club. As I got older, I experimented with various sports like soccer, dance, and basketball. Although they offered me experiences that deepened my understanding of commitment and diligence, I was always drawn back to volleyball.
Of course, there were challenges along the way. I suffered my fair share of disappointments, injuries, and discouragements. Despite this, in the end, these difficulties led me to realize that failures are a necessary part of the process. True strength comes from trying again after a setback or failure, which is something I will never forget. Apart from teaching me the importance of resiliency and collaboration, athletics gave me long-lasting friendships. Whether it be through sharing successes or offering support after defeats, competitive environments helped me create some of my closest relationships.
Even now, sports still have a significant impact on my life. Though I no longer play competitively, I still stay involved in intramurals and attend athletic games. I continue to support teams by watching on my phone, as a proud Real Madrid, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dodgers fan. My desire to become a sports writer for The Santa Clara has ultimately been motivated by my experiences. My love for storytelling has been stocked by the excitement of competition, team spirit, and lessons learned. In efforts to connect with SCU athletes and convey their distinct experiences, I intend to draw from my own experiences, that can capture the essence of sports. My goal is to convey what it means to be an athlete, such as the love that comes with it, including the highs and lows, wins and losses. Just as sports have affected my personal journey, I hope writing about sports will encourage readers to recognize the deeper relationships that athletics establish within our communities. Through my writing, I would like to showcase the transformative power of sports and ignite a shared passion of something more than just a game to me.