BLOG #7
The intensity and volume of the crowd surprised me as I tightened up my laces. Leaping off the bench sporting my new custom-made Armory Basketball T-Shirt, I joined my fellow teammates for pregame warm-ups. Coach gathered us for a pep talk and announced the starters. The whistle sounded the tip off and before I could move, the ball was in my hand. I paused for a moment absorbing the atmosphere. Breathing deeply, I cooled my nerves. Naturally I started to dribble without even thinking. I was truly in my element. Never would I have thought playing recreation basketball would be this liberating. I was home.
On the last day of varsity tryouts, the players stood in line outside of coach’s office anticipating whether they had made the roster. Being last in line made me nervous; watching as every person walked out in tears or sighing in relief. As the line dwindled down, I started counting spots. Were there enough spots for me? The time had come; I walked into the office and sat before coach. Bad news. I was devastated and confused. My entire body felt numb. I drove myself home cursing while tears fell in my lap. Never in my entire life, had I been this emotionally beaten by disappointment.
The next morning, my parents woke me from a painful slumber and dragged me to church. I sat in the pew restless and agitated, frustrated at the world unable to think of anything other than being cut from the team. During the service, a guest speaker delivered the sermon. I usually have trouble paying attention during the sermon, but I needed to clear my mind. She continued talking about the apocalypse. “What do you all picture when you think about the Judgment Day?” This question immediately brought me back to basketball tryouts. Getting cut from the team at this moment seemed apocalyptic. “When I think of the apocalypse, I picture buildings on fire and planes falling, the worst scenario imaginable! Yet, this is not the end. God puts us down only so that we can get back up.” I had an epiphany moment.
After church, I rushed to my computer and started to design a recreational basketball t-shirt. The logo read ABL, standing for Armory Basketball League and underneath a slogan: Where Legends Are Made. The next day, I proposed the design to some friends at school. Motivated by the positive feedback, I ordered the t-shirts by a supplier online. I had never been so excited to play basketball in my entire life. I was playing because of my love of the game no matter the team. As long as there is a basketball in my hand, I am perfectly content.
The adrenaline rushed through my veins as I dribbled up the court. Five seconds left in the game and one bucket would spring us to victory. Unable to find an open shot I passed the ball to an open teammate. He made the jump shot as time expired and the fans cheers electrified the building. Goosebumps traveled down my spine and I naturally ran to center court to celebrate with my team. Filled with emotions, I remembered being cut from the team. And then I saw the thrilled faces of my teammates and my proud family cheering in the stands. This is where I needed to be. No matter what jersey I put on, I will play basketball with all my heart. Today I am thankful for my situation. Even though I was disappointed by not making the team, I made the best of my situation and went beyond. Designing the t-shirts for my friends and playing the game I love has made me a better leader, player, and person.
– Jake Beman