While many grow up involved in sports of all kinds, not everyone continues the competitive nature of the game. However, the memories and lessons built in every practice, every difficult game and every bus ride to and from school last a lifetime. Each sport brings its own hardships, memories and lessons.
Lulu Tavalione, senior entrepreneurship major, reflected on the many years of competitive equestrian riding she began at age 8 and how it still stays with her. She is often reminded of the beauty and presence of the Lord’s creation through her horses, Indy and Gangster.
“Every time I see them I’m reminded just how perfectly and intentionally they are made; they are one of few animals we entrust with our lives, and vise versa” Tavalione said.
She explained that while equestrian riding was a blessing, it also carried major responsibility. In equestrian riding, riders must look after their horses, keep them healthy, fit and mentally prepared for practices and competitions.
“And unlike people, they cannot tell us with words what is wrong or what they are thinking/learning, so they must show us, and we must be perceptive and patient enough to hear them” she said.
With this trust and responsibility, she felt honored to care for her horse. In return, the sport gave her the gifts of perceptiveness, forgiveness and faithfulness, which she applies in her daily life and relationships as she continues to trust in the Lord’s intentions.
Similarly, Kylie Heirs, freshman aviation flight major, learned lifelong lessons from playing soccer since age 5. While not every moment was pleasant, she said she took lessons from each experience.
“Soccer impacted me in a positive way in my friendships, memories and confidence I found within my self and the Lord; always giving me the strength to keep going through the wins and losses and find what was to be learned from each of those memories” Heirs said.
Amid the stresses of school and life, she found that the discipline and ethic of soccer gave her strength. Even when things felt difficult, she learned to trust and be patient with the Lord’s plans.
“I certainly learned to trust the process and God’s plan. Soccer wasn’t always 100% good but through he ups and downs of the demanding sport, and I just had to learn to be patient and trust that what I needed to do and figure out would work out exactly in God’s timing, which has placed me in the very area of my life I’m in now” Heirs added.
The experiences she gained through sports prepared her for the rigor of her aviation major, and she is grateful for the lessons that contribute to her goal of becoming a pilot.
Participating in sports during youth has been shown to benefit emotional and intellectual development. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, students involved in sports develop “a stronger sense of self-confidence in building relationships with others and having an expanded capacity for empathy.”
Engaging in a sport not only brings joy, but also teaches life lessons.
Students recognize the importance of sports and how deeply they have shaped them. Sports are more than a game or a measure of skill. While fun and joyful, they provide a framework for faith, responsibility, perseverance and gratitude for all the moments between the wins and losses.
