#1 Bench Player
February 12, 2024
Writer: Samantha Luper
Editor: Jules Alfieri
I spent a large portion of my adolescence playing sports, participating in soccer, basketball, and softball teams throughout middle and high school. Despite the changing dynamics of teammates, time commitments, gear, and conditioning, one thing remained constant: my placement on the bench. Initially, sitting on the sidelines stung. Each time the coach announced the starting lineup, I hoped to hear my name. I complained endlessly to my mom about how the significant time and emotional commitment felt like a waste, given that I consistently found myself on the bench during games. I wanted to play. After enduring enough games on the bench, I began questioning the purpose of showing up for practice. This feeling intensified during junior year, with looming college applications and stress levels at their peak. Being on a varsity team seemed pointless, and other endeavors felt more productive than watching others play while sitting on the bench. I faked a smile outwardly, but internally, I felt inferior and struggled to enjoy what used to be the best part of my days. Playing sports has always been a time for stress release, enjoyment, and quality time with friends. However, I quickly became aware that varsity sports could be a cut-throat environment that I wasn’t used to.
As senior year approached, I questioned whether I wanted to continue playing these sports. I wondered: what was the point? Despite putting in my best effort, I still spent the majority of games on the bench. During a conversation with a friend, she said something that forever shifted my mindset: “It’s senior year, just play and have fun. It’s not like you are going to play sports after high school. As long as you're enjoying it, that’s all that matters.” After much deliberation and deep struggle with this decision, I chose to remain on the team for my final year. I didn’t want to miss out on the bonding and laughter at team dinners, the music blasting on the bus to away games, or the meaningful senior night celebrations. However, I decided to play under one condition: I was going to have fun and enjoy my time, regardless of whether I sat on the bench or played.
Reflecting on my high school sports experience, I can’t say I was the "star player," but I can say I was the #1 bench warmer. My time spent on the bench taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of being a part of a team and the power of mindset. In comparison to my junior year, my senior year was exponentially more fulfilling. I realized I could contribute to the team by encouraging teammates, creating fun playlists for practice, and maintaining a positive attitude. Though I can no longer claim to be a three-sport athlete, the lesson that my mindset can completely change my perspective has stuck with me throughout college. If I expect to fail an exam, I likely will. If I anticipate not having fun at an event, my enjoyment is less likely. Attitude toward something is fully within your control, and while it can't guarantee outcomes, it certainly helps to enhance life's enjoyment.
