“How High School Athletics Has Impacted My Life”

"How High School Athletics Has Impacted My Life"

Katelyn Peterson, Ord High School

Athletic Director, Ron Bauer

The first genuine goal I ever wrote on a piece of paper was in the first grade. It went something like this: "I want to be a volleyball star when I grow up." I do not know when, where, or why athletics ever became important to me. Maybe it was watching my cousins play varsity sports or maybe it was watching the Husker Volleyball team compete on my television. However, I do know there is something about the simple word "compete" that gets my attention. It is hard to describe my experience in high school athletics through only words. It has been such a rollercoaster ride. Whether it was the excitement of earning my first varsity letter, the anxiousness to compete with others, or the relationships with my coaches and teammates, I can truly say that no activity has taught me more about life than high school athletics. My love for sports began at a very young age. Throughout elementary school, I was absolutely obsessed with the high school athletes. I wanted to be exactly like them. To see them succeed meant more to me than anyone could have ever imagined. I remember watching from the stands as our volleyball team won a state championship. This accomplishment fueled my passion even more. Seeing them succeed made me want to succeed. In return I started practicing. One summer I kept track of every single basketball shot I took. When I received volleyball for my birthday, my parents could not keep me from spiking and setting it against the walls in our house. I did everything I could possibly do to be a better player. As I grew older, my love for athletics grew stronger. In high school I competed in volleyball, basketball and track. My teammates and I learned to love the pain and sweat that was necessary in order to improve. Our losses and mistakes made us closer. Although it was challenging at times, we pushed each other to the limit. The commitment and hard work put into our lifelong dream finally paid off this past year. The passion that went into our last few volleyball games could not be matched by any other team. I will never forget the overwhelming emotions I felt when I first stepped onto that state championship floor. It was then when I realized that there truly is no feeling greater than that of accomplishment. My teammates and I will never regret the hours of hard work and sweat put into achieving our goals. High school athletics have been a big part of these past eighteen years of my life. Sports are more to me than the points scored, the games won or lost, or the awards earned. High school sports have taught me numerous life lessons. I have learned how to display good sportsmanship, even when it is difficult. I have discovered that in times of adversity, it pays to keep your head up, and that things do not always go your way. Furthermore, I have learned firsthand to never give up on myself or others around me. I know that anything is possible when you put your mind and your heart to it. The impression that high school sports have left one me in incomparable. The many ups and downs have

made me a stronger person. The countless lessons learned, the loving relationships made, and the long hours of hard work will never be forgotten.

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