Middle school is an exciting time for young athletes. Middle school athletes have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports. Emma Wilson, an 8th grade athlete, took full advantage of this opportunity: she played basketball and softball, and ran cross country.
“I am really hard on myself and I am also very competitive,” she said. “I like softball more than the other two because I have more fun with it because of the fun hitting, diving, and just playing with my friends.”
One of the most important lessons that middle school athletes learn is the value of hard work. They quickly discover that sports require dedication, commitment and perseverance. They must practice regularly, even on days when they do not feel like it.
Wilson considers her greatest moments anytime she gets to “show off my skills to other people”.
She also has had some bad moments.
“When I get an attitude, it takes me and my team down,” she said.
Even when Wilson has spent the afternoon at school practicing, she will still go home and work on things that she feels like she is struggling with on the court or field.
“I work at home on things I’m struggling with,” she said. “Then I do something to help me just remember in a game and put everything in effect.”
She also tries to maintain a healthy diet.
“I try to stay away from soda and eat bananas and things that help me feel better during the season,” Wilson said.
Her dad is Wilson’s biggest fan.
“He is always hard on me when I’m not doing my best,” she said. “He makes sure I get what I need when I need it.”
The most difficult thing for Wilson is keeping up her energy in stressful situations.
“It can get hot and it can be a bad game,” she said.
Middle school athletes also learn the importance of teamwork. They discover that sports are not just about individual performance, but about working together to achieve a common goal. They learn to communicate with their teammates, to support each other, and to rely on each other’s strengths. Wilson considers herself a team player.
“Everyone gets along well with each other,” she said.
Middle school comes with a lot of homework and projects. Athletes have limited time at home due to practice and games. Wilson still tries to make sure all of her school work gets done.
“I stay up late and do it at night,” she said.
Middle school athletes are not just playing the game to have fun. They are developing skills and values that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Wilson believes a good athlete needs to have “the right body language, mindset, and coaches”.
She plans to continue her athletic journey in high school and then to college. Wilson is not sure what she wants to do in college yet or what her dream job may be.
She does have some advice for her fellow athletes.
“Always be coachable,” she said. “It helps you get better.”