Do you remember a few years ago they had those commercials on TV promoting young girls being involved in sports to boost their self-esteem? I hated those commercials. Nothing made me feel as insecure as being forced to play sports as a kid. I have a 2nd place trophy from the Beehive Basketball team. My contribution consisted of being thrown the ball, completely panicking, then passing it to someone else as quickly as possible.
This week, I willingly participated in a team sport. I started playing in a tennis league. About a year and a half ago, 8 of my girlfriends decided we wanted to learn to play tennis. None of us had ever played before. After I learned a few basics, it was pretty fun, but as soon as we started playing points, I would totally choke. However, the more I played I slowly began to enjoy the challenge of playing points. I'm still no athlete and lose most games even though I think I'm pretty evenly matched with the women in my class. Regardless, it is so much fun. No matter what the score, I'm constantly thinking how enjoyable it is- especially in this beautiful Spring weather.
A few of us in my class joined the USTA summer league. My first game was this week. I was a little nervous. We lost 0-6, 3-6. (Here come the excuses.) I think the first set was due to playing too timidly- that's one of my issues with team sports, I just want to be nice. Also, my partner and I had never met before where the opposing team had played together regularly. In the second set, most of the games made it to deuce. I was bummed we couldn't play the 3rd set as I think we could have done better (easy to say since we didn't play it). I think another big factor in the loss was that everyone was in these cute tennis outfits and there I was in my hiking gear. I left the match and promptly ordered some appropriately intimidating apparel. Watch out! :)
7 comments:
You rock! I admire that you are doing something you previously hated :)
That's awesome! I need to break out of my comfort shell and do something like that too. Thanks for the inspiration!
You gotta get the clothes. It's a psychological thing.
tennis is a sport i've always wanted to try. the class i took in high school so doesn't count.
and betsy - it's ok to go for the win! and still ok if you lose. :) JUST KICK SOME BUTT! i know it's hard for you to imagine me playing like that, isn't it? ;) man would it be great to have a nice game of ultimate frisbee, where the guys actually pass to the gals!
You better post a picture of you in your new cute skirt! Go Betsy!!!
That's great! Way to assert yourself! I STINK at tennis, so I admire you all the more!
I totally understand the clothing thing. Last week I got a guest pass to Gold Gym and was totally wigged out that I looked so bad in my baggy basketball shorts. I came to convince myself everyone going to a gym doesn't thinks they look that good. So everyone else probably feels a little self concise just as I did.
One more point towards team sports. Yeah!
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