The Impact of Sports on My Life By Rylee Munier

I have played softball and basketball since I was just a few years old. Sports have taught me so much and I am forever grateful for that. I have made friendships and learned life skills that will constantly help me. 

Sports have taught me qualities and skills that are so useful. I learned the concept of being a team mate, developing a hard work ethic and it gave me something to be passionate towards. These are qualities along with so many more that can be applied to everyday life and can make someone a better person. 

I have developed friendships through sports that I probably never would have made if I had not played. Me and my 4 friends have played together since third grade. We grew up together through basketball. All the time spent together every day after practice and during games brought us closer together. I would call them some of my best and closest friends. If I had never played basketball, we may not have made that friendship and been as close as we are. I am so thankful that basketball has allowed me to meet these people that will forever be apart of my life. Club softball has allowed me to meet people from other towns that I may have never known. I enjoy every single softball practice because it allows me to spend time with other people that I wouldn't see as much on a day to day basis when its not softball season. Late practices in the spring, summer and fall is what brings me so much joy. I love spending time with my teammates and developing new friendships every year. 

My mom was very involved in sports when she was my age. I am so happy that she pushed me to start and that I stuck with it. My parents are so supportive and always want what is best for me and my sisters. They are so happy when we succeed and are always on our side, no matter what happens. 

Sports have developed a competitive drive in me that I find so useful. It pushes me to be the very best I can be at everything I do. I push myself so hard because I want to succeed. Whether it is school, or just day to day things, I am always trying to do the best for myself that I can, and sports is the reason behind that. 

Through sports I can also try new things. I recently began playing volleyball. Trying out for the team in the beginning of high school is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love going to volleyball practices after school and playing with my friends. I get to play with my friends and we spend time together and make memories that I am so thankful for. I was skeptical in the beginning, but I am beyond happy that I play. 

I feel that every kid should be introduced to sports or some kind of extracurricular activity. It is so beneficial for them in the moment, and in the long run. I have developed life skills, made unbreakable bonds with friends, and found something that makes me so happy. It keeps physically in shape and gives them skills they can fall back on. I am forever thankful for sports being apart of my life.