It is no secret that our Lady Matadors have had a slow and perhaps discouraging season, but nothing can be done about that now, and this article acknowledges that as it seeks to capture the moment--the present, and not the past, what has always been, rather than what was.
This is the end of a four-year journey for some of our senior players, and when a journey comes to a close, you think back on the lessons, the motives, and the unforgettable memories.
These athletes love, live, and breathe basketball. Their love for this sport is the reason for their joining the program as freshmen, but between those first few practices and the final game, something happened. Through the sweaty practices, the muscle aches, the wins (as well as the losses), there began to be a mutual unity and respect that every team forms. It was not only their dedication and their love for the sport that kept them grounded, but also their teammates, their friends--their second family.
Jessica acknowledges that there were times when she wanted to quit. What held her back was the realization that the investment she put in outweighed the luxuries that she would obtain by quitting.
“Once I start something, I am determined to finish it. I am glad I did, because if I would have quit, I wouldn’t have made such amazing friends.”
The Lady Matadors practiced as a team, played as a team, and grew as a team; over time, the girls became family.
In reality, these “basketball lessons” are life lessons learned outside the classroom and on the court. The girls learned to manage their time as they struggled to keep their grades up while juggling a social life; they learned to balance the amount of sleep they got in order to perform at their prime the following day, and they understood how to manage the burdensome expectations of their peers and their coaches.
Amy says that the most important lesson she takes from basketball is one in perseverance:
“Even though we did not end up on top, nothing is ever given to you; it always takes hard work.”
She learned this lesson, she says, through her team’s underdog position in league and in terms of height.
“We worked hard everyday, and although we did not win many games, every win we had, we deserved.”
Jessica learned something similar:
“There will always be people who will want to discourage you and those who do not believe in you, but they are the ones that ultimately give you the greatest motivation to succeed.”
At the core of this bond-based sport is the enjoyment one takes from it. Theresa explains that, “People often think basketball is solely about winning or losing. However, the game is about heart and tenacity. When you fall, you get back up again. When you miss, you shoot again. When you lose, you play again. At the end of the day, it is about how hard you played and how much fun you had.”
As the girls looked back, we asked them one final question: How has basketball changed you? Their responses are as follows:
Theresa: I strive to become a better athlete and person. Basketball did not simply
change me physically, but mentally as well. I found new characteristics within myself whenever I played the sport. The first-hand experience revealed my leadership, confidence, capacity, and competitiveness. I became more courageous and tenacious in my actions. I know that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
Jessica: It has helped me become a better leader.
Amy: Basketball changed me since sophomore year, I used to be so soft and shy, but Coach Myers pushed me to be able to voice my opinion and take lead of the team. He always encouraged us to be better and because of that encouragement, I am more confident.
Amy: This 2014-2015 team is irreplaceable, we all had each other’s back. This bunch is the goofiest, most generous, and genuine group of people you will ever meet.
The Matador Monthly wishes these senior Matadors well as they move forward into their last semester at Bolsa Grande High, and for lack of better cheers, “We are proud of you, say we are proud of you.”