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| A Balancing Act
“Basketball’s not just my passion, it’s my saving grace,” he confesses. “When bad opportunities come along, I keep away from them and use an early practice as my excuse.” Sam, as well as many others at the University of Florida basketball camp, shared his unique experiences on how basketball has been a positive motivation in his life. Though his seven-year commitment to basketball left no person doubting his enthusiasm for the sport, Sam kept himself and his future focused on school. “I want to go to college with either an academic or a basketball scholarship, and that way I can play in college,” he said. Basketball was not only his favorite pastime, but his ticket to a good university.
For senior Kyle, basketball was his last hope. Spending at least four hours a day working strenuously with his team increased the pressure Kyle felt when having to juggle his social life, school and basketball. “If I only have a few spare hours after practice, I’ll try to spend time with my friends instead of doing my homework,” he admitted. Kyle hoped to receive a full-ride scholarship to college, but his natural intelligence might not be able to withstand his wavering interest in learning. “I have a 3.2 GPA, but basketball comes before school.” In fact, basketball came before everything for Kyle, including his family. “Just being here at the camp, I’m missing Father’s Day, and last month I missed my sister’s birthday for a game,” he said as he looked down guiltily. “I feel so bad that I can’t be there for them, but my family still supports me through everything.” Fourteen-year-old Van’s parents took a different approach to his extracurricular life. “Homework always comes first,” Van said gravely. Without completing everything, he wasn’t allowed to go out with friends or even attend practices. Not wanting to pass up social opportunities or let his teammates down for skipping practice, Van came up with a solution. “I try to do all, or most, of my homework before I leave school,” he said with a laugh. “That way, my parents are happy, and I’m happy because I have time to do the things I enjoy.”
“I hope to attend the University of Florida, so that I can get a good education and play on a good basketball team,” said Van. The look on his face matched the sincerity in his words, and proved that he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. As Sam, Kyle and Van geared up for the road ahead, they may or may not have noticed just how much their dedication to basketball truly impacted their lives. While they were all touched by the sport, whether it helped them stay away from negative influences, took priority in their social lives, or became part of an ambition, only time would tell if they would ever impact the sport. |
It’s a hot summer night in Georgia, and Sam, a sophomore at the local high school, and his teammates walk up the steps to an empty house. Inside awaits the pressure to drink and give in to what his friends are doing, but Sam realizes that the potential choices he makes once inside can either make or break his future.
“I have a 4.0 GPA and take honors courses, but basketball would be my back-up plan,” said Sam.
Van understood that success in school goes hand-in-hand with his aspiring dreams of becoming a professional athlete.
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©2003 Role Models Foundation,
Inc., No part of this website may be used without the express permission of the author. |
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