Growing up in the busy city of New York, sports were limited. The schools I attended did not offer sports and my parents were not involved in athletics, so I was not introduced at a young age like most kids. Instead, I was taught to focus on academics and arts.
Prior to SCHS, I attended Edward R. Murrow High School for science and proceeded to take classes that intrigued me. The school had no sports of any kind, so students focused on theater and musical performances.
After moving to California, my opportunities broadened as SCHS offered numerous opportunities for girls to participate in sports, but I decided against trying out.
In the last few months of my junior year, I learned that a new sport would be coming to SCHS. Although I lacked familiarity with athletics, the girls flag football team piqued my interest. I quickly followed the Instagram account and found that summer workouts were starting soon.
I could barely contain my excitement and counted the days until flag football would start. The day of, I left my house a little nervous, preparing to start a new chapter of my senior year. As I walked toward the field, I was surprised to see over twenty girls.
I could only attend half of the summer workouts because of my travels, but I continued to throw the football with my stepfather in my backyard, attempting to stay in shape for tryouts and the rest of the season.
When I returned to tryouts, I walked in with my head high and hopes up. There were many new faces, and I noticed that most were athletes who played other sports. I had never watched flag football, so I was sure these girls were better than me. I was, however, determined to make the team and told myself I would try my best. That was all that mattered.
My first day was difficult because of my lack of fitness preparation. Tryouts began with sprints, catching and throwing. Since I had pushed myself without proper training, I started feeling an uncomfortable pain in both my calves, but I thought it would subside the following day.
The next day, I went to the field to suit up after school. Tying my cleats, I noticed there were more girls than the day before, which made me anxious. I realized I might not make the team.
That day’s tryouts were more intense and labor-intensive, making my calves even tighter. Ignoring the pain, I continued without complaint. I thought I was being dramatic.
The next day, I began to worry because I was walking with a limp. I went to see the athletic trainer, who suggested that I go easy in practice. I had to come in and do daily stretches in the trainer’s office. I was determined, however, to make the team and was not going to let any aches hold me back.
I had never been interested in any sport until now, so I returned to practice and pushed myself the hardest that I could. I went home in pain, but I was proud that I had tried my best. For the rest of the tryouts, I continued to give it my all each day despite my limps, doubts and pain.
On the last day of tryouts, my leg began to feel better, and my performance improved. I hustled through practice and felt confident going home. I watched the announcements until I got an email congratulating me on making the team. I rushed to tell my father and other family members. They congratulated me and told me how proud of me they were. I was so excited to see this new chapter of my senior year unfold.
Practices are more intense but shorter than tryouts. We learn basic drills and tactics that lead to plays we implement during games. The coaches are patient and give me one-on-one instructions when I do not understand a drill. My teammates are all supportive and help others learn from their mistakes. With amazing coaches and supportive teammates, the team feels like a family, working together to learn and improve.
Overall, I am glad I branched out of my academic life to pursue flag football. Pushing through my leg pain during tryouts was well worth it. I look forward to game days and love feeling the rush of emotion and excitement before the game begins. I highly recommend people try new things like sports even if they are not confident in their skills. After all, a simple interest may become a passion.