After making me cry after my first game, nobody thought I would go back to my coach but my coach made me realize that I wanted to go back to him, to get better and make me work harder. Determination shoved aside every doubt that tried to settle in my mind. I went back only because I knew at my most vulnerable moment that ultimately, he would prepare me to be a mentally tougher person able to handle the pressure of high level athletes. My coach broke me down to build me up, and I built myself up by refusing to stay broken down. By the end of the first season he not only made me a better player, he taught me to pick things up more quickly. I also met friends for life, friends that I will forever remember.

I learned quickly to be more mentally tough because I needed to be able to handle the screaming at every game, every practice. I learned quickly to just sit in silence and listen to him. His voice ruled the court. It showed me how mentally tough I had become, because after that first game, I started blocking everything out of my mind and focusing on my one goal, which was to get good enough to play at the collegiate level.

After playing with him for 2 and half years, I realized that if I could put up with him I could put up with anyone who coached or mentored me in my life. But towards the end of my time on his team, I realized he had made me lose confidence in myself. His constant screaming and the negativity he gave out made me see the negatives outweighed the positive sides to his coaching style. My eyes were opened that I needed a balance in coaches. Yes, I needed both correction and encouragement, but there wasn't a good balance with this coach. His harsh coaching crushed my confidence, but it also created my courage.

I decided to leave his team, to find a better and more welcoming team. After the first practice with them I realized their coaching was even better. They were hard on me, but they also praised me when I did well. I felt like I was cared for.

Even though I now play for another team, it doesn't mean he didn’t have an impact on me. He shaped me more than any of the coaches or all my mentors throughout my life, even though they all impacted my life in some type of way. This coach showed me what it took to get to the next level. The way he taught me to push myself, also gave me a lot of mental toughness while playing for him. It showed me I could get through anything in my life. Even if I hit rock bottom I learned I could always get back up. The challenges opened my eyes to see the support my family gives me as well, how much they care for and love me. When I would get screamed at, my family was always there to lift me up after a bad game, no matter how bad it got. My family lifted my spirits and my game after every tough practice.

The tough battle I overcame in my athletic career reflects the American values of hard work, and personal growth. I pushed through adversity, learned from hardship, and fought to become better despite setbacks. Altogether, my journey embodies the belief that with determination and support, anyone can overcome challenges and reach their goals.

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