There is no doubt that sports change lives. Sports have changed mine and I am not even done yet. With sports, everyone starts at a different point. Some kids start as soon as they can walk, some in elementary school. But some kids do not get the opportunity to play until high school. I did not get to start until high school. When I was younger my family moved a lot and both my parents had full-time jobs. This left little time for my sister or me to do sports. 

Freshman year, I decided I wanted to try swim, I had done the standard swim lessons before, but I had never swum competitively before so it was a shot in the dark on if I would be any good at it. I had no idea all the places it would take me! I go to a small rural school, so there were very few girls on the team, which allowed me to swim a good amount at meets. My freshman year I qualified for districts (barely) even though I did not place at Districts. This was more than I expected since it had been my first year swimming. By my junior year I got first at Districts and ended up qualifying for State in my individual events. When I signed up to swim my freshman year, I had no idea how far I would go. Swimming not only taught me discipline and the importance and hard work but also gave me friendships that I would never have had otherwise.  

Because of COVID, I only got a three-week season of softball in 8th grade, but from the  moment I started I was hooked, and knew I wanted to play it in high school. Unlike swimming, softball had a lot of girls, and most of them had been playing since they were little, so entering my freshman year without ever playing before was challenging but thankfully I had an amazing coach on JV that helped me to become the player I am today. Now I am in my junior year of softball, and I am starting on Varsity which would not be possible without my amazing JV Coach my freshman year. Softball is a team sport, so it has shaped a different part of me than swimming. For Softball I had to learn teamwork and patience and how to just let things go and  move on to the next play.  

There have been many times that I have felt behind in my sports career, especially when all the people around me have been playing their whole lives, but I am thankful every day that I decided to play high school sports. High school sports can shape every kid who plays into a better person by integrating team-building skills, hard work, good ethics, teamwork, and physical well-being into their everyday life during and after high school. High school sports have made me a better person in sports and in life, so even though I started “late,” I am thankful I started. 

High school sports are one of the most powerful opportunities for personal growth and community building. These sports and teams extend so far beyond just physical activity, but they play a crucial role in shaping the character and well-roundedness of teenagers.

Participating in high school sports teaches teens values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The strict training schedules and competitive environments require commitment, which teaches teens the importance of dedication and perseverance. These skills are crucial both in sports and as life skills. 

Additionally, sports provide a unique scene for fostering community and teamwork. Being part of a team forces collaboration, communication, and support. These skills and experiences create not only lasting friendships but also allow for a sense of belonging and unity, which create an inclusive culture at school, which students can carry out for years.

High school sports also hugely contribute to physical and mental well-being. Regular and consistent exercise improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function (all skills needed for high schoolers). For teenagers trying to navigate high school, the opportunity to participate in sports serves as a helpful outlet for stress relief and a tool to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

In addition to individual benefits, high school sports have a wider impact on the school and community. They create school spirit, bringing together students, parents, and staff to support their teams. 

The importance of high school sports for teenagers extends so far beyond the physical aspect. These experiences shape character, build lasting friendships, promote physical and emotional well being, and create a sense of community. As schools continue to focus and prioritize holistic education, recognising and supporting high school sports becomes crucial to supporting the holistic development of the next generation.

I struggled with disordered eating habits my first two years of high school. Competing in both wrestling and track, I became aware of the importance of nutrition and how it affected my performance. This realization transformed into a hyperfixation on nutrition, leading to disordered eating and body dysmorphia that had detrimental effects to my health. I believe there needs to be more awareness behind the topic of eating disorders in athletes as it is often overlooked by athletes, coaches, and parents. 

Many risk factors in high school/college athletics are present to the development of eating disorders, especially in sports that underscore endurance, physical appearance, or have weight requirements. Some of these risk factors can include anxiety from competing, the pressure to perform, self-esteem struggles, and a belief that a lower body weight leads to better performance. Studies conducted by the National Library of Medicine report that the prevalence in disordered eating among female athletes vary from 6-45%, and 0-19% in male athletes. Although research suggests that some groups are more susceptible to eating disorders than others, it is important to note that many student athletes fail to report or recognize disordered eating habits. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware that eating disorders can be present in all sports, impacting athletes of all ages and gender, at all body shapes and sizes. 

While athletes strive to achieve a certain body that is believed to enhance their athletic performance, doing so through disordered eating behaviors can have both short and long term negative effects. Some of these impacts include a lack of hormone production, loss in bone density, fatigue, electrolyte imbalances, and decreased motivation to compete. These negative effects highlight the need for more education and awareness around eating disorders in athletics. 

As a wrestler, I can understand the extent some athletes are willing to go through to win. Many sacrifices are made to win a championship, and cutting weight is one of them. Deciding how much to sacrifice is up to the athlete themselves.  While these sacrifices are often necessary, it is important to consider how it will affect performance, growth, and long term health.

I highly encourage student athletes struggling with or at risk of disordered eating to seek assistance from parents, coaches, or trusted adults. Education of these harmful eating behaviors and getting proper support should be more accessible to student athletes, including both physical and online resources. Finding a healthy balance between enjoyment and sacrifices is key to a successful athletic experience.

Many high schools embrace the concept of “School Spirit.” aspiring to create the ideal high school experience, the dream that everyone has thought of when growing up. They hold events and pep assemblies where students have the opportunity to express their enthusiasm with school spirit. However, when you attend a high school that has a deeper connection in a “Why” (why they are doing this), it’s a fulfilling discovery of purpose. The dedication to include everyone allows the motivation of “Spirit” to impact all those associated with the school in a more significant way that extends more profoundly to everyone.

My name is Mya Morales, and I am a junior at Sunnyside High School. During my early years, I found myself distant and in a closed circle. I experienced a sense of being lost, different, and limited despite my unique qualities. My journey took an unexpected turn at the age of 8 when my mom was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Coping with such a reality check at a young age presented emotional challenges beyond my years. Despite my struggles, I faced the difficulty of navigating the real world while praying for a day when it would all come to an end. Eight years later, now, at the age of 16, I am incredibly grateful that my mom remains my best friend. Her unwavering support encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities, reflecting on my educational journey and the evolution of my identity as a student, athlete, daughter, sister, and person. I recognize the significant changes that have shaped me in different ways. While my story is ongoing, the beginning chapter has undoubtedly come to a close.

When I was in 7th grade, as the coronavirus pandemic began to spread, our class had the opportunity to run for ASB counsel for the upcoming school year. At the age of 12, the thought of running for a leadership role was intimidating and frightening. I had never taken on such an opportunity before, especially in a position of leadership. Initially, I considered the Vice President position and discussed it with my mom who encouraged me to go for it. Faced with this unfamiliar prospect, I took a leap of faith and instead ran for the position of President. Surprisingly, it turned out to be the best decision I had made, thanks to my mom who encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and two other best friends who agreed to run for positions alongside me, providing invaluable support.

During my year as ASB president, I experienced an overwhelming amount of support from our school staff, students, and district — from organizing events, managing the student store, deciding on Spirit Week dress-up days, and handling morning announcements. My leadership skills developed rapidly as I gained confidence and honed public speaking qualities that were previously unfamiliar to me. As I made decisions for our student body, I realized that being ASB President was more than just a title; it was a significant responsibility. 

With numerous opportunities unfolding, I had the chance to observe what was happening at my high school. Witnessing events and hearing about their impact on students, staff, and the community made me feel a strong desire to be involved. I knew I wanted to contribute, make a difference, and have a positive impact on others within our school district and community. I later discovered that the spirit at Sunnyside High School is rooted in having a clear “Why,” comprised of three essential components. Firstly, there’s an emphasis on creating a culture where all students and staff feel connected to SHS, understanding their role in the well-being of the school and fostering a sense of self-worth. Secondly, the importance of building powerful relationships is stressed, creating a culture where everyone supports each other in achieving individual and group goals and fostering a sense of belonging. Finally, the culture highlights the significance of students and staff envisioning their future, ensuring a positive outlook and creating a sense of hopefulness for each individual.

Our “Why” at SHS may seem simple but impacts our school and community. So, as you look to make a change, I ask you to think clearly about what is your “Why”, and the importance of having a clear understanding on the principles of this work! Finding one’s “Why” can be a powerful motivator and guide in leadership and personal growth.

As I continue to grow over the years as a leader here at Sunnyside High School, I remind myself to reflect on my journey and recognize the significance of my experiences. The realizations I’ve had serve as an eye-opener, emphasizing the truly special essence of what we have here. Many others, like myself, have faced silent battles and found their place of belonging. Your battles are not entity, they shouldn’t be whispered or remain hidden. To the ones who feel trapped and locked away: find a light to your current life and continue to proceed and find your ‘WHY,’ and remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. In all, I owe a thank-you to my school for instilling in me the courage to explore and pursue what I love. The support I’ve received within our school district has played an essential role in shaping who I am today with the many opportunities in leadership roles.

Playing sports has always been a significant part of my identity and daily routine. Ever since I was five years old I have found myself drawn to the game of basketball. The speed, liveliness, and comradery that I feel while playing has always brought me an immense amount of joy. In fourth grade I joined my first club basketball team so I could challenge myself and practice even more. This was a big step from the recreational and school feeder teams I was previously playing for. Being on my first club team built my skills as an athlete and fueled my competitive energy. I have also met lifelong friends and mentors through playing club basketball. However, the immense amount of pressure and the mental toll my teammates and I have experienced playing club basketball leaves me wondering: Is it worth it to place young athletes, like myself, in club sports?

Club sports are big commitments because of travel tournaments, intense practices, and the abundance of expenses that come with it. There has been a growing expectation to place kids into competitive club sports at an even younger age in order to develop strong foundational skills. Looking back, my earliest memories consist of watching basketball with my family and running up and down a basketball court. I distinctly remember being in elementary school and going to trainings every day during summer break in hopes of improving my skills. Tirelessly working to perfect my jump shot in a humid gym was the highlight of my time off school. The hours I have spent playing basketball have taught me to persevere and the value in working hard, which are still some of the best lessons I have ever learned.

Some of my favorite memories have been going on travel tournaments with my teammates because I was able to build friendships, explore new places, and compete with teams from all over the country. Although I am forever grateful for these opportunities and the knowledge I have gained through playing club basketball, there are downsides to playing competitive sports at such a young age. There have been numerous times where I have felt scared to go to practice or play in games in fear of disappointing my coaches or teammates. I thought being anxious before every shot or drill was a normal experience. This was the result of the “tough love” style of coaching that has been instilled in me, which is pretty consistent and considered normal in the world of club sports. My time during the Covid-19 pandemic was incredibly transformative for my confidence by giving my overworked seventh grade self a break from my intense practice schedule. During this time away from basketball, I was able to remember that I play basketball because it is something I genuinely enjoy and my time on the court was not supposed to be filled with anxieties and panic. The stigma surrounding stress and burnout that club sports can produce is extremely problematic and needs to be addressed. This competitive culture in club sports can severely impact an athlete’s confidence and attitude towards playing a sport. Unfortunately, I have witnessed many people who love basketball and are incredible players burn out from the constant judgment and pressure from coaches and teammates. On the other hand, my experiences playing for various club basketball coaches have helped me become incredibly receptive to feedback and develop thicker skin. These are both qualities I take great pride in that have helped me thrive in both academic and athletic settings.

So, was it worthwhile to grow up playing in this hyper-critical sports setting? Basketball has developed my abilities as an athlete, overall tenacity, and character, all of which have helped prepare me for all of my high school academic and athletic endeavors. I have grown as a leader and become better at communicating with others because of playing on a club team. Without playing club basketball, I would not see myself as someone who flourishes in leadership roles or being a part of the WIAA LEAP committee. In full transparency, playing club basketball at such a young age could be demoralizing at times, but despite the mental and physical exhaustion I experienced, playing club basketball was incredibly beneficial in the long run. In short, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am so glad that I have been able to play basketball at a high level with some of my best friends for several years, and now translate those experiences into my current club and high school teams.

A regular high school basketball game comprises four eight-minute quarters, with a typical season having twenty games. A regular football season consists of 10 games with four 12-minute quarters. A volleyball season is made up of 16 matches, all of which are determined by who wins the best out of five. Therefore, by the end of each regular season, basketball equates to almost 11 hours of actual playing time, football adds up to exactly eight, and depending on the skill comparison of each team, volleyball is typically even less. However, when it is all said and done, the season itself is nowhere in comparison. All of the late-night practices, early morning workouts, long bus rides, and locker room conversations equate to a much grander total. The competition itself is pale in comparison to the hours of dedication.

I have played basketball nearly my entire life, so much to the point where I don’t know what to do without it. I am the oldest of four, all of whom play basketball almost as much as I do. We have grown up in gyms, knowing how to dribble a ball before we could even tie our shoes or do our own hair. When I was eight years old, I started playing basketball at my local league. I had hour-long practices maybe twice a week, with an occasional game sprinkled in. I wore my “Yelm League” shirt with pride, beyond excited to be part of a team, especially one where I had the opportunity to beat up on boys. I eventually graduated from this “intense” competition and moved on to play on multiple different tournament teams; at this point, it started to click, and I realized that this sport could really be my “thing.” I began to put a lot more time in, spending my nights off to go to the gym with my dad. I would shoot through tears of frustration and stubbornness when hearing “reach into the cookie jar” for the thousandth time. I will say, sixteen years later I finally realized he was right. I continued to dedicate my time towards basketball, eventually playing year-round, rotating back and forth between my school and tournament teams. The more time I put into basketball, the more I saw my efforts coming to fruition. I have earned the opportunity to play at state for two of the three years of my high school career thus far, and I have also been selected to play on a traveling AAU team called Hoopstars. I wouldn’t be where I am today without dedicating hours and hours of my time. The majority of my basketball career has been spent getting shots up on my own, lifting six days a week, running games with my teammates, and doing everything in my power to either recover from an injury or prevent one. All of this time and dedication was originally made for the purpose of playing in games; however, in reality, it is only a very small sliver of my entire basketball career. Now that I am potentially in the midst of the most important year of my life yet, my junior year, I can’t help but question: is it worth it? Is there really a reason behind all of this madness?

As athletes, our primary motivation is to win. We want to make the deciding free throw, score the final touchdown, hit the game-winning home run, and earn the coveted championship trophy. However, it’s never just that easy, and it certainly does not happen consistently. So how do we get to that point? We fail. We fail over and over again, but more importantly, we learn. We learn how to be better teammates, how to push ourselves past our perceived breaking point, and how to continuously improve ourselves and those around us. Sports help define us and they teach us lessons that take other individuals a lifetime to learn. Playing a sport is never consistent; every day is full of ups and downs, but we are forced to learn how to deal with them. Sports serve as a crucible, molding us into better individuals every day. The court, the playing field, the weight room, and everywhere in between is a classroom, teaching us profound life lessons that extend beyond the realm of athletics. By participating in a sport, we are guaranteed to have an indelible mark left on our character. As athletes, we don’t merely win and lose; we learn and we continuously improve.

Beyond the swift decisions and remarkable plays, sports forge enduring bonds that exist for a lifetime. The profound trust required to leave the deciding moment of a game in the hands of a coach or a teammate goes beyond mere teamwork; it’s a testament to the deep connection created through every leading moment. As athletes, we are compelled to relinquish a part of ourselves and dedicate it to the collective cause of the team. Those moments where everyone operates on the same wavelength — executing a flawless pass, having impeccable timing, moving as a unified unit, or celebrating in unison — epitomize the unique synergy found only in sports. The beauty lies where everyone collaborates persistently toward a shared goal. Having played alongside girls all over Washington, I often enter a gym already sharing a connection with someone on the opposing team. It is an incredible experience to have a friendship with someone who is intended to be the opposition, because regardless of the final score, that friendship will forever endure. As athletes, we become part of something greater than ourselves — a family capable of celebrating victories and enduring losses together. Sports are more than just the end result; they are shared moments and bonds unlike anything else. Through unwavering relationships, we thrive through adversity, not merely surviving but excelling through the toughest challenges.

The excitement of competition is an unparalleled experience — the stillness of the air during warm-ups, the anticipation building with each breath before the starting whistle, and the rush of adrenaline that propels us past our limits. This intoxicating blend of skill, strategy, and unbridled passion transforms an ordinary moment into an extraordinary one. What sets competition apart is its surreal moments — playing in an overtime game, defying the odds to win a match, or realizing every minute and drop of sweat served its purpose. These moments become unforgettable markers of the journey, enhancing the joy of competition and creating a narrative that resonates long after the final whistle echoes. Victory, in this context, is not just about defining moments in a game; it’s about relishing every second leading up to them. The journey itself amplifies the sweetness of triumph.

As the final buzzer echoes, the bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the memories created stand as a testament to the profound impact of sports. The journey, filled with dedication, camaraderie, and exhilaration, shapes not only characters, but it leaves an enduring legacy that transcends the playing field. In the chapters of high school sports, the conclusion marks not an end but a continuation of the narrative. The shared moments and bonds remain eternally imprinted on athletes’ hearts. So, to answer the question — yes. I wholeheartedly believe that playing sports is entirely worth it. Every second, every drop of blood, sweat, and tears, contributes to a journey that is undeniably worthwhile.