by Cali Lipscomb, Staff Writer
I was figuring myself out as a freshman; where I fit in coming into a new school, and what sport I wanted to play and stick with. I started with basketball and went to a few meetings for softball, but neither of them felt like I fit in there or felt like a community I wanted to be a part of.
But it all changed one day when I went to flag football practice. And then everything clicked. Over my years with this group of girls and this community became everything to me. I’ve loved it, and I’m grateful that it became a part of me.
I knew some girls from middle school on the team and they convinced me to try it out after I was skeptical because it was something new and something I had never played before. One day basketball practice ended early, I went to the football field to see what they were doing and I was immediately welcomed on the field and handed a practice jersey to join them. I felt nothing but happiness in my body when the practice ended.
From there, I fell in love with football. The rush I got, on defense; jumping in the air to intercept the ball and running it back as far as I could, hoping to score a touchdown. I love the excitement when the pass is completed, scoring touchdowns, and watching your teammates score and dominate on defense.
I loved the competition and meeting people from different schools, and even the aggressiveness in the game, but being able to shake hands, say ‘good game’ and still respect each other.
The community of the team was a big thing for me. Making everyone feel welcome and making our team a safe place. This included our team bonding, always going to eat together, and just making sure everyone is always included. It all amounted to being best friends during and after the season. Going through all the highs and lows, together as a team, falling, and being there to pick each other up helped us grow an unbreakable bond.
After four years, nothing felt better than being able to finally win a championship. After putting in so much hard work, everything paid off. Everything came together and we were able to pull it off. Even though I’m leaving on top with a championship it doesn’t cover up the sadness. I feel that my time playing the sport I love is up.This community, this sport, these girls, it’s something I’m not ready to give up yet.
It took me out of my comfort zone and I grew more comfortable and confident. I learned leadership skills in a way I never knew before. I learned how to work hard and put in effort, not everything comes easy and all that hard work does pay off in the end. I learned how to teach people and it made me want to be a coach.
After I graduate I plan to come back to coach and get a championship back-to-back. I’ve never really loved a sport like the way I love football.
