Dear Sports,

I am not sure I can accurately put into words how you have impacted my life. I am forever thankful for what you have taught me.

Thank you for teaching e that effort can sometimes be more important than ability. I may not be the best athlete, but the effort I put into training and getting better will set me apart from those with more natural ability. Hard work can beat talent, when talent fails to work hard.

You have taught me the importance of commitment. Although I love my sports, there are days I would have loved nothing more than to just go home instead of running five miles at cross country practice. But because I committed to the team, I still show up and do the work. It is on these days when I learned the most. Pushing through low motivation and completing the training just makes me that much better when it comes time to compete.

Thank you for teaching me to let go of the things I cannot control. I can only focus on my effort, and not get hung up on the outcome. I am able to control my effort and intensity, but not the circumstances or the skills of the opponent. I have learned to not get hung up on the little things

Sports, you have helped me realize my talents as a leader. You’ve taught me that regardless of title, role or experience there is always an opportunity to use leadership skills. Everyone has an opportunity to lead on and off the field. Without you I wouldn’t have discovered how much of an impact I can have on one person.

You may challenge me and push me to my physical limits, but I always come out stronger. Every obstacle that may be put in my way, I can overcome. You have taught me to never give up, and to always ignore the voice that tells me “I can’t,” because I know I can.

I walk with confidence because of you Sports. You have prepared me for my life in more ways than I even realize now. I am certain I would not be the person I am today without you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you have done for me.

Yours Truly,

Abbey Hauser