High School Athletics by Shannon

High School Athletics by Shannon - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my high school career I have had many memorable experiences that have filled me with pride. Entering high school I knew I wanted to achieve the goal of earning 12 varsity letters. I have been a varsity starter in Field Hockey and Lacrosse each year, while contributing valuable points in the pool as a swimmer and on the diving board as a diver. I had many challenges along the way including transferring high schools twice, but I am on track to accomplish my goal by the end of this year.

Working through each season has taught me the value of hard-work and sportsmanship. I have built strong relationships with teammates and coaches and bettered myself as a person from this experience. As a freshman being able to work with upperclassmen helped me so much. It was not easy to gain their respect but through time and effort I was able to do just that. Within the first few weeks of each season, it was clear that I had won teammates over and was accepted as one of them.

Teammates share a special relationship. Everybody must be so supportive of each other. As part of a team, each player must rely on one another to be successful. A team should be welcoming of diversity and respect the different talents and styles a teammate may bring. Sports led me to become a part of something greater than just myself. It was cool to walk through the halls as a freshman and have an identity. Having the upper classmen on your team saying hi to you, or inviting you to go out with them. Having them care care enough to send you a text if they know you had a hard test or had a bad day.

After every practice and every game I always looked to see if I had done something to better myself and my team. Sports has bettered myself not only as an athlete, but as a person as well. I learned discipline, sportsmanship, leadership and good time management. Playing sports teaches many life lessons. Sports has taught me to be accepting of everyone. It has taught me to work with others in a positive and productive way to be successful.

There have been many days where I was tired or had other choices I could have made than go to a practice. Participating in all three sports seasons at a high level is time consuming and difficult. I know from this accomplishment there is nothing I can't work for and achieve moving forward. I have given myself the work ethic to be successful in my future endeavors.