An Open Letter to My Daughter About Sport

Motivated, determined, and eager to learn. You play with heart and a natural love for the game. Don’t ever lose that joy.

More than the competition, physical demands, and the pressure to perform, sport should always be fun. Your teammates and coaches should be a natural support system and a community that empowers you to believe in yourself. A supportive team culture encourages participation and growth in all its players.

In this way, sport has the power to transform.

Being part of a team will help you hone leadership and communication skills, learn the importance of teamwork, and gain a sense of responsibility towards others. Not every game is a winning one and not every player is a starter—that’s ok. There is merit in all of it.

I watch as you gain patience and grit. You’re learning to set goals and to keep working despite obstacles that may come along—barriers that are out of your control and inherent in a culture built around winning today with little thought about tomorrow.

You are resilient and strong and deserve to be part of a team that will value your contributions no matter how big or small. You will conquer all that you seek—on the playing field and beyond. 

Along the way, my Noodle, remember to have fun playing and shine!