Only about 5 percent of high school athletes continue to play in
college. No more than 1 percent of
high school athletes, representing just the top layer of national-caliber
players, get full scholarships. Why are sports so awesome?
Attitude:
Each
one of us has to make a choice every morning when we wake up…appreciate life or
grumble about it. Sports teach us that attitude is everything. The
“athletic mindset” says that batting .300 is awesome…even though that means you’ve
struck out seven out of ten times.
Authenticity:
Sports shows athletes that they can be super competitive…and
their teammates will still be friends with them; that they can be
goofballs…without being budged; that they can be their nerdy… studying on
the bus while everyone else is watching a movie…and their teammates will still
respect them. Sport teaches athletes to be comfortable in their own skin.
Well rounded:
We
need to encourage young folks to play multiple sports. In order to lessen
the repetitive motion injuries that occur, as well as to increase the fun of
sports, we should go back to encouraging participation in multiple sports. Play field hockey in the fall, basketball in
the winter, and run track in the spring.
Healthy living:
Setting
goals, learning to work with others, and being a part of something bigger than
themselves are all hallmarks of sports teams. Our children can learn to
love working out, eating healthy and to enjoy living life in a balanced manner.
Love it:
Many kids turn into student-athletes at small, liberal arts
colleges where athletes can sometimes make up 25 to 40 percent of the student
population. Those colleges don’t offer athletic scholarships, but they do
offer a student who loves their sport and values their education a place to
compete and excel.
Future success:
Learning
to lead is just one of the fabulous benefits of sports participation. Girls
who play sports are more likely to be successful in their future endeavors.
“Mark Vacker is a thrill to work with! Makes you feel at
ease and really knows how to capture your good side. His studio is fun to work
in and he is great at catching you in the right angles. I look forward to
working with him again in the future.” – Arielle Newnam
