I don't remember when I first played a sport.
I don't remember if I first chucked a ball (probably to my Pépéré), or teed off on the 8th hole (obviously with Pa), or if I passed a soccer ball (or basketball to my mom). I don't remember when I first played a sport, because for as long as I can remember, they have been a part of me. But, four years ago that all changed. I walked off the volleyball court, hugged my coach (who was my mom so 100% appropriate, relax) and sniffled a little.
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| A putter in my hand before I could walk... or yell "FORE" |
In that moment I realized that I had played in my last organized, competitive sporting event. Sure there would be college pick up games (those never end well), camp-wide games (where you remember you can't run/bend like a 10-year old anymore), and intramural college sports (where I sustained my first real injury... but anyway that's another story) and of course I could always ski... but that was it. My life as Taylor Hobbs - the athlete came to a close.
No matter how much I ran, jumped, skied, or anything, it wouldn't be the same. It wouldn't be wouldn't be the athlete anymore. I would be another kid with stories of "the glory days" but not much glory left (if there was ever any to begin with...)
Wow, Taylor, a little late to the game here. I hate to point it out, but that was four years ago, why are you just writing this post now? Well, honestly, I was playing a game with Brian, and our two colors were yellow and red - ketchup and mustard. And I remembered the first time I had ever heard someone say that -- it was my first ever ski race and I had gotten second (red) and third (yellow) and someone called it my ketchup and mustard ribbons. (Yeah, I'm easily nostalgic!)
Then I remembered the joy I felt that day - the day I knew I found my sport, the one I wanted to spend every ounce of my piggy bank on, every drop of sweat, and every ice pack and hot shower my parents could afford. I knew that day that I had fallen in love with a sport, ski racing. Maybe I had that moment for all of the other sports, but I don't remember them because I've been doing them for longer than I can remember (as evidenced by the first paragraph).
I thought about my past adventures, and I realized something... sure the final whistle blew and the buzzer sounded long ago, but those hours, years, spent playing and practicing the sports I loved left their mark. So here it is, a quick list of what sports taught me (pictures included for your laughing):
From soccer I learned that you can't just do things with force and might, but that you need to have some precision. After a few trips through thorns to retrieve a ball you rocketed 5 ft off target, you learn your lesson. I also learned that no one likes bad sports, and years after you're done playing they will remember you for an illegal kick more than for that one nice goal. I'll be honest, most people I remember from soccer I remember from their character, the ones who I didn't mind losing to (sorta...) and the ones for whom Jesus' words "love your enemies" aptly apply. Finally, I learned that if you are the coach's kid, people will expect they are playing favorites, so show them that you work harder to get what you deserve. Don't stoop to their expectations, but rise above them. In life people will assume a lot of things, and you can spend your lifetime telling them that they aren't right, but to save yourself some trouble, just show them.
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| The only banner I ever hoisted meant something special. |
From basketball ...well I learned that you can't have them all. In the words of my father, "I'm glad you stopped when you did." There is a difference between quitting because something is hard, and stopping when you know its just not the thing you should spend all of your time pursing. I probably also learned about teamwork or something too... I just know I never learned a good jump shot.
From skiing I learned that you will never know your truest potential if you let the fear of failure hold you back. Never confuse caution with cowardice. If it gets your heart-racing its a good thing, if you are seriously concerned about your health... not a good thing. Be bold, be brave, "SKI FAST NOT SLOW" -- if your goal is to be the fastest then ski like you want it. Never think you've arrived. There are always ways to improve and if you want to improve then get out there and practice, practice, practice... and if you fall, just tell people you are "checking the snow conditions" totally believable ;P
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| Ended my racing career on the steepest hill in the East |
From softball I learned that discretion is a good thing. Just because you can do something, doesn't always mean that you should. Throwing out a runner at second may sound like a great stat, but if the ball isn't caught, well an error doesn't sound so great now does it. Going for the home-run when really you just need to get the runner home won't help your team win. Also - helmets are important - WEAR THEM!
From them all I've played many more sports and learned a million more lessons, but you probably have something to do, and I should be doing something else... so I won't ramble on about T&F (all people who run the 800m are crazy) or golf (why?!?) or any other sport. There was also a stint in karate, which led to A LOT of funny candids, because I CANNOT be serious-faced very often, one of which I included
But I want to leave you with this:
Sports taught me some of the most incredible lessons I've ever learned: teamwork, generosity, kindness, sportsmanship, discipline, patience, but most of all they taught me who I am and who I want to be. They taught me who I am under pressure, how important it is to let logic override emotions sometimes, and what I can achieve when I try my hardest. They taught me how to have fun and let loose, how to unite to focus on a common goal and how to cover weird bruises.
But the greatest thing that sports have done, is given me a lifetime of memories and adventures, and the people that I've been blessed enough to share them with over the years. I met 3 of my 4 bridesmaids through sports, and made more friends than I can count through competition.
