RLH #1 - Sports 2 Reality

Thinking back on my life, I realize sports have played an intricate role in shaping who I am today. My early "playing field" were on Carroll, Thomas, Burnside Streets and Rosedale Cemetery dodging cars (and tombstones) while playing football. Using curbs as sidelines, street signs as end zones, and hearing someone yell “car” when one was approaching “our field of play.” The fun I had and how recognize those moments and more as foundations for my upbringing.

Sports offered structure, when things at home or in school weren’t the greatest for me, I could rely on the consistency of practice, routines, and teammates. The relationships I formed with coaches were more than about suicide drills and how to keep my shoulder in when I see a curveball, they were extensions of my parents and community anchors. I keep in contact with them to this day. Too many quotables from them but one that comes to frequently, is “run like hell.” This from Jim Ryan. One of my coaches, who recently passed. You may forget the play, mistime a hurdle or didn’t set up a teammate properly. The one thing you can do is run like hell, continue to play and make something else happen. Don’t stop hustling and working which is relatable in the everyday life. 

There’s a common phrase, “Sports parallels life.” But for me, it’s more than a parallel it’s a blueprint. The lessons I learned on the field transferred into every part of my reality. These weren’t just skills for the game. They were preparation for the rest of my life.

Now, as I sit and reflect typing this blog post as someone who now educates others, builds programs, and supports individuals through Sports 2 Reality Inc, I understand how crucial those early experiences were. Sports helped mold my confidence, grounded my identity, and gave me tools to navigate a complicated world.

Whether you were the star athlete, the team manager, a supportive fan, or someone who only dabbled here and there sports leaves a mark.

So, I want to leave you with this question:

How has your experience with sports whether as an athlete, coach, official, fan or anyone shaped who you are today?

We all have a story. What’s yours? Drop it in the comments.