Playing to Win

When it comes to staying active, everyone in our household has a hobby or sport that keeps us moving. Choosing to do one activity in unison might have been more convenient, but who wants to take the easy route? So we spent this spring balancing schedules between little b’s soccer on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Big B’s baseball on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Drew’s pickle ball early Sunday mornings, and my running anytime in between.

I learned quickly that being sports mom means riding an emotional roller coaster. There are days when I’m biting my tongue on the sidelines, watching a struggle or a close call, doing everything in my self control not to yell louder than the coach. There are other days when it all comes together and the pride in my child’s face is priceless. Well, it’s worth the price of fees, uniforms, equipment, time, effort and snacks. 

Win or lose, what our boys get from their participation is much more than a trophy. I love a good game as much as anyone, but it’s the lessons they learn through their experience that will last long after game is over. It’s the camaraderie of a team working toward a shared goal, and the resilience of getting knocked down just to spring back up to try again. It’s the hours of practice that finally pays off. It’s stepping out of a comfort zone to try a new position or take that shot. 

Tonight, as I watched Big B and his team win their Little League Championship, I could tell it was one of those moments that would stick. They took photos with their championship rings and high-fived one another before gathering around their coach for a final pep talk. His first words to the boys were, “I never doubted you. I never stopped believing in you, and you should all believe in yourselves.” 

I hope that’s the lesson he remembers. 

Over the years, their participation in sports has grown and changed, and I’m sure they’ll continue to try new things, go through ups and downs, and face new challenges. If they believe in themselves and keep learning, that’s the only win this sports mom needs.