Football has been an integral part of my life growing up. The thrill of competition and the sense of success drew me into football from a young age. I never expected to be so invested in the sport, but the more I practiced, the better I got, and the more I enjoyed it. This is my third year playing varsity football at RIS, and playing football has been one of my life's most exhilarating and transformative experiences. 

From the intense physical training to the bonds formed with teammates, every aspect of this journey has left an indelible mark on me. Transitioning from a team filled with seniors to a younger team entails changing dynamics and responsibilities. As seasoned players graduate and move on, the burden of leadership often falls on the shoulders of the remaining players. Transitioning to a leadership role means leading by example, setting a high-performance standard, and providing guidance and support to younger teammates. I learned that it requires patience, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively to help bridge the gap between experience levels and foster a cohesive team environment.

Coming off a not-so-memorable year, we were all extra determined to bring back a medal to reward us for all our hard work so far. Fast forward to the third-place matchup after a successful first two days. We believed victory was possible. However, we couldn't score. With us having way more chances than the other team, not being able to convert them cost us the bronze medal. Even though it pains me and my whole team extraordinarily, I am happy with everybody's performance on the field. My teammates worked hard through every second of the game, and the bond we had fighting for each other was unbelievable.

It felt like a family going through all this together, and I wouldn't want to fight out there without any of the boys and the coaches supporting each other as always. Ultimately, engaging in sports enhances physical well-being and cultivates essential qualities that contribute to success in various aspects of life.