Women's Basketball | 1/30/2017 12:26:00 PM
Dear eleven-year-old Lindsay,
Be happy.
This may be surprising considering you just chose to pick up the sport, but your journey will take you all the way to Division 1 Women's Basketball at Idaho State University! The decision you just made to turn in your dancing shoes for high tops, even though you invested eight years of lessons, was the right choice. Trust me, unlike dance, which you enjoyed, basketball will become your true passion, to the point that you will want to play no matter how sick you are, or how much pain you feel, you will want to play every minute of every game! I know it's hard to believe since you can't even make a lay-up right now, but your jump shot turned out much better than your pirouette.
Be excited.
I know you're still confused because dribbling with your left hand seems impossible… (well, it's still hard to dribble with your left) but don't worry, keep practicing and don't get discouraged, your skills will improve. Basketball will teach you to never settle for "good enough," and always work on your weaknesses. Like I said before, you're on the way to an exciting college basketball experience.
There's so much to look forward to on your journey to play at the college level. Not only will you experience plenty of great opportunities on the court, but basketball will also give you unforgettable memories off the court. I don't want to spoil anything, but I want you to be motivated to work hard and stay committed because it's worth every minute of practice, workouts, travel, and hectic schedules.
You'll travel to places you'd never think basketball could take you. Some games you'll play in will be so exhilarating you'll replay them over and over again in your mind. And most of all, you'll always have a second family. The friendships with new or old teammates, as well as coaches will be life-long. The unique journey you share with them forms a special bond that will help you through those unexpected curve balls life will throw you.
Be prepared.
I know all the other girls have been playing basketball while you were dancing, and are better than you right now. It will take time and a lot of work to get to a point where you feel as confident as them, but you'll love the game the more you play. You'll also learn more about yourself from basketball because it will test you like nothing else. Don't be scared; embrace the highs and lows. Make mistakes and learn from each one. Although I wish I could say it will always come easy, unfortunately, it won't. You'll struggle at times and face setbacks. Whether it's an injury or the never-ending schedule. Know that facing all that basketball throws at you will help you face adversity in all areas of your life. When times get tough, know that you will come out on the other end stronger.
Be grateful.
Throughout this journey, don't forget about what's most important: family. Mom and Dad will always be there to support you and don't take that for granted. Be a positive role model to Jared, our little brother, and spoiler alert: he'll eventually be eight inches taller than you! And this is a big one: make sure school always comes first. When things are going well in school, everything else seems to go well too.
But most of all, have fun!
Even though you know what's to come in the future, don't think too much ahead. Live in the moment and enjoy every second because believe me, it goes by way too fast. And maybe that's the best part about playing basketball. For those hours you will be privileged to play, the world outside the gym ceases to exist. You, your teammates, coaches, family and fans, for a short time experience that wonderful basketball battle, until the buzzer sounds. Sometimes the buzzer ends with disappointment, and sometimes it ends with elation, but either way the court was our refuge.
Love,
Lindsay
P.S. Don't forget to practice that left hand dribble.
