Four years of high school can feel like a long time, especially when your schedule is repetitive. You may feel like you’re wasting your time. Although high school is a lot of work, it doesn’t mean it can’t also provide you with many other opportunities outside of the simple eight to four routine of everyday life. High school sports are a great way to improve your mental and physical health and allow you to meet coaches and teammates that could become important people in your life!
From a physical aspect, sports are a great way to move your body in ways that you enjoy. Whether it is an individual or team sport, moving your body is one the best things you can do for it. In the long run, sports can teach you life-long skills and improve your physical health and well being.
Another benefit sports offer is learning flexibility. When coaches offer you feedback or you do something that leads to your progression, it is very important to have the ability to adapt. Coaches want the best for you and your team, and learning to realize no one is perfect is a great chance to also realize there are a lot of things you can improve on. Once you see growth, you will understand the process, and it is one the best feelings ever.
Most importantly, I believe sports are one of the best activities because they affect so many social components in life. Winning, losing, tying, struggling, pushing, and giving your all can really show you what it means to be a part of something. You learn sportsmanship, but you also get to meet new people. Some of my best memories and friends have been gained through sports, and without stepping out of my comfort zone to try new sports, I would’ve never met my best friends. Everyday, even if there is a hard workout, I look forward to sports and spending time with my favorite people and coaches. When you perform at a game, whatever the competition is, you also get to meet people there. Sports provide a vibe like no other and I believe they are super influential for a high school experience.
Plus there are so many options to choose from. You don’t have to be good at everything, and the fact there are various sports that work so differently is amazing for inclusivity so everyone can try something they like, but also have the chance to practice and get better! Even if sports don’t work out for everyone, there are many other extracurriculars schools offer.
As someone who has done multiple sports throughout my whole life, I have gained a lot from each experience, whether it is about social, physical or mental aspects of life. I deeply encourage everyone to try one at some point in their high school career.
