Growing up I was always interested in sports. I tried many but they all didn't feel right. In fifth grade my closest friends both tried out for basketball which first switched my mind toward basketball. In sixth grade I tried out for the local club team and made it. I wasn't very skilled and didn't have a great basketball IQ, but I gave it all I had and always told myself to work hard. My coaches and teammates always had my back and pushed me to continue to work hard every practice. Day by day I could see myself getting better and better. I was determined not only to become better for myself, but for my teammates as well. I want to be a player that my teammates can be proud of, someone they enjoy playing with. During 6th-8th grade club season, my teammates , coaches, and parents all became family. I not only found basketball as a stress relief, but a place I can also call home. By playing basketball I fully believe that it has made me want to work hard and exceed at everything I do, including school.