“I’ve been playing sports since I was little. I was around four or five years old,” says Volleyball player Aubrey Massie. Sports have a profound impact on people’s lives. They bring communities together, foster teamwork, and promote physical and mental well-being. Whether playing or watching, sports provide a sense of belonging, passion, and inspiration. They teach valuable life lessons like discipline, perseverance, and resilience. Sports also have the power to transcend barriers, unite people from different backgrounds, and promote inclusivity. “The best thing is just because you are teammates doesn’t mean the friendship has to stay within that space,” says Cheerleader Cienna Reed. From the thrill of competition to the shared joy of victory, sports have the ability to create long lasting memories. “My favorite sport is volleyball, not only because I play it, but because I love to watch the aggressive and competitive rallies,” says Massie.
Sports could influence far more than just a person’s life through their high school years, or from the time that they compete. They have the power to shape communities and cultures. For instance, major sporting events, like the Olympics or the World Cup can unite people throughout the world. “I used to travel all the time for cheer and dance, and it really gave me so many cool things to experience throughout the world,” says Reed.
Athletes often become role models, using their platforms to advocate for causes they believe in. Sports can play a role in social change by raising awareness about important issues. “I try to use my athletic platform to help support other athletes who are struggling,” says Reed. Sports can also provide an outlet for athletes. “Lots of people get in ruts, and deal with emotions in a negative way, showing others how sports can be a resource that can help them cope,” says Reed. Nothing can compare to the passion and love for players and their sports. This can foster a sense of identity and pride within the communities, and can be a powerful tool for education and youth development and empowerment. Overall, the influence of sports can ripple outwards, affecting various aspects of society. “When little kids ask me about my sport, I always tell them it can be a little hard, but the good outweighs the difficult parts of it. I love to see the little ones start to play because I know one day, they will understand why I love the sport so much,” says Massie.
Playing sports can definitely help develop the ability to make tough decisions. In sports, athletes often face situations where thinking quickly and making split-second decisions is going to be needed. Whether it’s deciding to pass or shoot, strategizing on the field or making critical game time decisions. Sports teach you how to analyze the situation, consider different options, and make a decision under pressure. “I know if I’m injured, I have to make the best plan of action to know if I should sit out or continue to play,” says Massie. These experiences build your decision-making skills, as you learn to assess risk and weigh the consequences, as well as make choices that impact the outcome of the game. The ability to make tough decisions in sports translates into real life situations, helping you become more confident and decisive in facing challenges off the field as well.
Sports impact the lives of all people, not just the athletes themselves. You can be a NFL fan or just love the thrill of a soccer game. You don’t have to be an athlete to understand the sport. This is how sports are connected to all people one way or another. High school athletes look up to the professional athletes. Younger athletes inspire to become something big, just like who they look up to. When athletes are in high school, this is the time where they really put in the work to make a name for themselves. “I am not a big fan of practice and conditioning, but I know it is a key aspect of the sport, and that practice can only benefit me,” says Massie. The athletes train consistently for their sport. This can be difficult but it helps them make improvements, and helps strengthen them to do their best.
