No two people are exactly alike. Similarly, no two athletes share the same journey. Athletics can be a trying, emotional path that can make people question who they are and what motivates them. Sometimes, this questioning can lead to the realization that a change needs to be made; other times, a break from a beloved sport can rekindle an athlete’s enthusiasm.
Sports are not “one size fits all.” In order to reach one’s full potential, an athlete has to find the sport for them. Going through season after season of a sport that makes them miserable won’t be beneficial in the long run.
Even when someone has found the perfect sport for themselves, obstacles often arise that can make them question the importance of it in their lives. Junior Seamus Coyle, for example, has been playing hockey since he was four years old. Despite over a decade of love and experience in the sport, he took a break from the Trinity High School hockey team during his sophomore year when he stopped finding enjoyment in the game.
Although he took a break from high school hockey, Coyle’s love for the sport never waned. He returned as a junior in the hopes of having a better year. So far, the season has lived up to his expectations and he has started to have fun and enjoy the game again.
Coyle is still dedicated to the sport and says, “Hockey is important to me because I get the chance to bond with my teammates and coaches who push me to do my best.”
Some athletes find that time away from their sport can rekindle that spark, but for others, time just can’t bring back their love for the game.
Junior Brailyn Mitchell has been a dedicated athlete all her life. From a young age, she was involved in both soccer and basketball. Hours upon hours of practice contributed to her skill in both sports. However, over the years, her passion and drive to succeed in those sports began to fade and she knew she needed to make a change and leave them behind. Even though she fell out of love with soccer and basketball, sports remained an integral part of her life.
“Sports have led me to face adversity and work toward a craft. These skills transition directly to a disciplined lifestyle. I believe if you’re pushing your mind and body to improve every day, life will become significantly easier in the long run,” says Mitchell.
Recently, Mitchell has a newfound love for both wrestling and golf. Although her athletic career is no longer focused on the sports she once played, she continues to excel as an athlete and push herself to achieve any goal she sets for herself. Her dedication and adaptability are something that every athlete needs in order to find their way through the whirlwind world of sports.
The realization that a beloved sport doesn’t bring as much joy as it once did can be frightening, but it isn’t something that athletes have to go through alone. It is vital to establish a strong support system to remain motivated and, if that fails, to work together to decide the best choice to make moving forward.
