Growing up, sports were always the thing that brought me the most joy. Both my parents had been very competitive athletes and encouraged my sisters and me to get involved in sports from a very young age. Because of this, sports became a focal point in my life and ultimately provided me with the opportunities that brought me where I am today.
During my time in Gandoca though, I was able to experience sports and the power they have in a whole new light. At the end of our first week in Costa Rica, we were invited to play in the annual town soccer tournament.
During my time in Gandoca though, I was able to experience sports and the power they have in a whole new light. At the end of our first week in Costa Rica, we were invited to play in the annual town soccer tournament. When we first arrived at the field and were assigning teams, we struggled slightly to communicate with some of our new teammates and I remember wondering if this would impact the game in any way. However, the starting whistle seemed to signify a lifting of the language barrier. It didn’t matter that we were from different places or spoke different languages, we were one team, with one goal. This allowed me to see sports as something larger than their presence in my own life – something with the power to unify different groups of people. During those games, I developed a newfound appreciation for the power of sports to foster teamwork, understanding, and mutual respect. Being a college athlete, I feel too often I have been “one-track-minded” and more focused than I would like on results rather than embracing the opportunity and the love I have for my sport. Being in Gandoca and experiencing the soccer tournament has made me appreciate even more the amazing opportunities, the people I have met, and the memories I have made through playing sports.
The experience also broadened my perspective on the role that sports play in society. Thinking back to standing on the field with my friends, I could hear music being played by the families barbecuing, and there were cheers from the crowd that had gathered on the sideline.
The experience also broadened my perspective on the role that sports play in society. Thinking back to standing on the field with my friends, I could hear music being played by the families barbecuing, and there were cheers from the crowd that had gathered on the sideline. For many of the adults in Gandoca, their livelihoods consist of hard, physical labor, and I felt as though we were getting to experience the special role that sports played in this community. Seeing how soccer was able to bring people together and provide a positive outlet allowed me to acknowledge the power of athletics beyond my personal passion.
I can confidently say that what I’ve learned in Gandoca has had a huge impact on how I now view sports in general, as well as my role as a college athlete. As I head into my sophomore year at Duke, I am going to work to balance my competitive drive with a newfound focus on just enjoying my sport and living more presently. By taking a more holistic approach to sports I hope to carry with me the lessons I learned in Gandoca!