Growing up, many of us were put into youth sports, whether that was basketball, soccer, tennis, or whatever our friends were playing at the time. Typically, this sport sticks with us until we reach high school. These three athletes are familiar names in the basketball community. Alexis Bordas and Lala Woods are heavily decorated girls’ basketball players. Josh Huffman is a varsity boys’ basketball player who made a name for himself during the previous season.
These three players have been shaped into not just the athletes they are today but people from youth sports.
“Playing a sport since a young age has shaped me into who I am today because it has given me so many traits that I would’ve otherwise not had. I am very hardworking in everything that I do and dedicated, determined, and competitive. My work ethic and drive has made me a better athlete, student, friend, and person,” said Bordas.
LaLa Woods has been greatly influenced and shaped into the person she is today, because of playing sports since a young age.
“It has shaped me in a lot of different ways… I’ve met so many great people while playing sports, I’ve made lifelong friends, I’ve handled so many different coaching styles, and I’ve had many ups and downs. I’ve gone through adversity as well, so I think being mentally tough has played a part in shaping me into the person I am now,” said Woods.
Josh Huffman has been greatly impacted by playing basketball since a young age.
“Playing basketball since I was young has taught me the principles of how to work at something that I care about in life, even when I’m exhausted or lack motivation,” said Huffman.
Playing sports at a young age comes with lifelong friendships and connections.
“Sports have also helped my relationships with others and has helped me become a better leader and role model to younger kids and has helped me be outgoing and friendly, making new friends. I have had so many teammates throughout my lifetime, and I will always cherish those friendships forever. Sports bring you so close to people, and those are the things you’ll never forget,” said Bordas.
Doing something we are passionate about alongside people we care for allows us to succeed. It creates connections and growth.
“Sports has given me so many connections. I’ve met so many influential coaches and trainers who have helped me tremendously. I’ve met so many talented athletes. Being where I’m at now by being committed to a college to play basketball…I think that I would not be in this situation without all of the connections I’ve made through the years…so sports and connections are really what has made my dream come true,” said Woods.
Adversity is seen throughout life. Athletes face adversity countless times, whether it is losing a game, an injury, or a personal performance slump; it is seen in many different ways. Overcoming adversity can be difficult, but being an athlete prepares us to be strong during it.
“Sports have taught me that it doesn’t matter what adversity you face, but it’s how you deal with it and how you overcome it. Dealing with adversity has taught me to always see the bigger picture and not get too low or too high about anything that happens to me. It has also taught me to treat others with kindness and compassion when they are going through adversity as well. Once you go through struggles yourself, you realize how difficult it is when others are going through it too, and you can try to help them. I believe sports are meant to prepare you for life, and I definitely feel like the sports I’ve played growing up have prepared me for life beyond sports,” said Bordas
Josh Huffman believes being a student athlete has helped him learn how to deal with adversity.
“Being a student athlete comes with ups and downs in sports and life. Going through experiences like losing in a basketball game, not having the motivation to keep working, or having to boost a teammate’s morale have helped me learn how to deal with adversity throughout my life and sports career,” said Huffman.
