WHAT IF? – BY MADISON HULL, RENTON (’25)
What if you decided to join a sport on a random Monday? What if you decided to alter your life with one decision? What if you wanted to try something new for once?
When it comes to school sports, I will always be an advocate for joining one. Although there is a decrease in the involvement of teenagers in sports, there are so many benefits you are rewarded with. You never know what will happen when you decide to join…
Up until high school, I had gone to a small private school where I knew everyone in my grade. Going into a new school, which was about 10 times the size I was used to, I was considerably nervous. I wanted to go through high school as swiftly as possible, avoiding interactions with anyone and not wanting to branch out. I had decided that this was my fate before I even set foot in the building, and it took a toll on how much anxiety I was having.
Thankfully, even through my nervous emotions, I decided to join my school’s soccer team. Although I had played soccer for years before my freshman year of high school, I was not too keen on opening up to a new team. I had some rough times with previous teams and teammates that I had played with, meaning I was not ready to try another one. I built up a stereotype for what I thought I was going to experience solely because of what had happened in the past. Playing on more competitive teams outside of school was a completely different environment compared to what I was about to experience.
After the initial resistance, I went to my first practice, and to my surprise, I enjoyed being on a team with new people. I met girls from different backgrounds that I could never even imagine. I got an insight into how diverse Renton High School is and how everyone comes together to share similar traits and interests. Even though everyone knew each other and were previously friends, I felt welcomed not only to be social with the others but to play soccer. The pandemic took a toll on everyone, making it exciting to meet others and get back to the “norm” again. I am still grateful that I decided to come and meet those girls because they turned into some of my best friends to this day. Those same friends helped me come out of my shell and become the person I am: someone who is outgoing, expressive, and open to possibilities.
Because of the choice to join the soccer team, I was able to branch into other opportunities at school that I would have never joined if it were not for the people who helped me feel comfortable again. I joined my school’s student council and countless other clubs and activities, allowing me yet again to meet new people and observe student cultures.
Other things I learned from sports were competitiveness, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. This has led me to want to break the stigma behind joining new sports teams and make it a welcoming environment for all who want to play as well. Getting other peers involved in these same situations creates a better school atmosphere.
Still, three years later, my friends and I hang out, play soccer, and participate in school leadership. I was even shown other outside-of-school opportunities, helping further my growth as a person.
Whenever I am asked to write to a younger peer or my past self, I always suggest playing a sport. Not only was I able to stay active, I was able to make meaningful connections with others, which will stay with me, even out of high school. You can not answer “what if” unless you go out and see for yourself.
