The opportunity to play a sport for your high school is a privilege! To compete is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which will influence you for the rest of your life. Whether your student-athlete career ends when you graduate from high school, or continues in college, never take for granted the opportunity that has been given to you!

You made the team when there were other athletes that did not! Not matter how good, or bad those athletes were, they still had the desire to make the team just as much as you did! Never take for granted you did!

You didn’t get here by yourself! Who helped you along the way? Who took you to early morning and late-night practices? Who helped you with extra practices? Homework? Financially supported your sports, shoes, uniforms, etc.? Who sacrificed so that you could? Your mom? Your dad? Aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend, coach, teacher, etc.? Never ever take them for granted!

Winning is awesome, but did you know, loosing is too? Loosing is an opportunity for growth. Take advantage of each loss and learn from it. Is it skill improvement, extra rest, better diet, or more practice? Is it mind-set, character development, attitude, or determination? Turn your losses into challenges to become better at your sport or a better you. Never take your losses for granted!

Always be mindful and diligent about your health and safety. Never sacrifice your well-being for the sport you love. In doing so, you’re sacrificing the long haul for short-term gain! I never not wanted to be on the court! And my kids were the same way, whether it was the basketball court, football field, baseball field, or softball field. But, not allowing your body and/or mind to heal does not affect you now, it affects you later. Never take your health and safety for granted.

Enjoy every moment of your sport!