Athlete Anecdote - Support Network

I have played tennis for the majority of my life. I was pushed into becoming a player because of my father. He played during his childhood in Vietnam and became notorious within the community of SoCal. That being said, I was unfortunate not to acquire the same skills he had. I would dread the long hours of practicing under the sun and being scolded constantly. Even though I played for barely an hour once a week, I hated it. But somehow as I ventured into high school, my admiration for tennis accumulated. I was jealous of the many talented girls and was compelled to try out for the team. But ultimately, I was inspired by their skills and how hardworking they were. I made JV in my sophomore year and knew no one. I felt like I didn’t belong and I lost my matches and I lost my matches because I wasn’t consistent enough in my performance. However, over time, I became friends with the girls who were once strangers. Their dedication was unmatched, and I  was in awe of their skills.

At the end of the day, it can be extremely hard for others to notice your pain unless you talk to someone. If you ask my teammates, they would never fail to say that I am a clown and an extremely optimistic one at that. The bond I have built with them is irreplaceable. We became family and experienced so much together. The power of community is significant, and no matter where I go, I won’t forget it.