All throughout my childhood and into my twenties, I lived and breathed basketball. It was my passion – my go to for a challenge — to learn, grow, push myself to the limit, and, most importantly, for fun. I thrived on the thrill and competition of it and quite honestly, just loved the game.
This year when an opportunity came up for Reagan to join the travel basketball team, I was immediately pumped. Yes, this is what I have been waiting for! But, I was also a little apprehensive. I mean, this child is only seven! We are talking about a big commitment to a sport that I love. Sure, she seemed to like the regular season, but was it too much for her at this age?
When I confronted her about the opportunity, she was thrilled. Which, of course, made me giddy. However, the first tournament was only a few weeks away so they had to squeeze in as much practice time as possible – one week it was 4 days in row – I was worried it would just be too much for her.
So, I waited for her to complain about going to practice another night in a row. I listened to hear if she would be over it – burnt out already – and want to hit the neighborhood and play with friends rather than hit the gym. But those worries never came up.
In fact, her coach had told us parents that the kids should be tired after practice, and if they weren’t, then we should let them know so they can work them harder. So, one night after practice as we were sitting down for dinner, I asked her if she was tired and told her that I needed to let coach know if she wasn’t so she could work her harder.
Reagan sat and thought about it for a second and then blurted out, “no, I am not tired – she needs to work me harder. I want to get better at basketball.” And guys, my heart may have smiled. You see, passion for a sport isn’t something you can just hand down to a child – they either have it or they don’t. This was my first clue that this baby girl just may have it.
As the first tournament approached, I was stoked. I could not wait to be back in the atmosphere of games all day long – competition and thrills. However, Reagan and I both understood that she was the youngest on the team and may not see the floor much this year. We talked about it from the beginning – that practice itself was going to help her grow her game but that she may not play a ton in games. She was aware – but I was still a little nervous that she would be bummed if she sat the bench.
Here is where I wanted to be able to tell you that she didn’t sit the bench at all – that she started every game and killed it out there. But, that’s not the truth. She did exactly as we talked about – she rode that bench most of the tournament.
But, do you know what she didn’t do? She didn’t get bummed. Not for a second. This basketball loving baby of mine that can barely focus and sit still for a second, followed along each and every game. From the bench, she cheered on her team and even put her hand on the shoulder of a frustrated teammate to pep her up. She didn’t sulk at her lack of time on the floor – she just made sure everyone else was ready to go.
When she did get a chance at a minute here or there, she went out there, hustled, gave it her all and left her heart on that court.
Her team did great – they won their first three games but came up short on the fourth. When her team lost, my child, who barely saw five minutes of playing time the entire weekend, cried her little eyes out.
The passion, competitiveness, love and drive fell straight out of her eyes and down her cheeks. She wasn’t bummed that she didn’t see the floor a ton, she was bummed that her team lost.
And guys, I cannot even explain to you all how proud of her I am. From her pouring of positivity throughout the weekend along with her unselfish mindset at sitting the bench, to her drive and effort the few minutes she did get in and her emotions in experiencing the loss as a team, she showed me more than just the type of player she is but more importantly the amazing person she is.
That weekend, my love of the game grew even greater as I watched my little love, my daughter, truly grow from the game.
Sarah (Pitson) Shrader was born and raised in Lima. She is a Lima Central Catholic and Tiffin University graduate. Sarah is a full-time working mama who enjoys writing about her somewhat crazy, always adventurous life as a mother. She lives in Bath Township with her daughters and writing inspirations, Maylie and Reagan.
