A tri-sport athlete every year, I was slightly better at volleyball and soccer, but loved nothing more than basketball. Each season I joined the team thanks to the no-cut policy, and each year I warmed the bench. I began on the sub-freshman basketball team (I was the sixth man on a six woman team), and slowly worked my way closer to the front of the 20-girl JV bench. By the end of junior year, I was captain of the JV team, and sitting contentedly on the very end of the varsity bench. Senior year the coach took pity on me and dressed me as varsity (#45) for every game, but I rarely saw more than two or three minutes playing time that season.
Despite the disappointment, the lack of playing time, and the skill deficit, I never quit. Almost every year I was voted most dedicated or most improved by my team. Every year I was desperate to get better. I ran my hardest during conditioning, listened to and loved my coaches, and eagerly hoped for the day I would prove to everyone just what kind of athlete was hiding at the end of the bench.
I graduated from high school nearly twelve years ago, and after a long hiatus, that determination and desire to succeed has come rushing back. I could conjecture (and do most Tuesdays) about what buried that drive and dedication so deeply for so long. I quit exercising, quit writing, quit jobs, quit relationships, quit cities, nearly quit everything. But what I know is this. I'm back.
Since March 2010, I have been tirelessly pursuing athletic and personal goals for no other reason than to prove to myself I can achieve them. It began with a simple goal: run a 5K. From there I progressed to a 10K, and then to a half-marathon. I've set my sights now on a successful rugby season and completing The Nation's Triathlon, seeking to raise $2,150 along the way for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team In Training.
I hope you'll join me (and support me if you can) on my journey toward this and other goals.
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