The squeaking of shoes on the hardwood and the thud, thud, thud of the ball hitting the court are sounds that I have known my whole life. I’m from Indiana, the Basketball State, and I played ever since I was in first grade.
I hadn’t realized at the time that someday I would teach others the same skills that I had learned as a child. Dribbling with my right AND left hand, doing a jump stop, and passing to my fellow teammates. But I also learned discipline, perseverance, and teamwork (not to mention the exercise I got!).
Right now I am coaching a team of 5 awesome 3rd and 5th graders at my church. I have seen them improve so much every game and they are really good players. I’m trying to see where they are excelling and where they are struggling more, and really focus on teaching those areas. But a huge part of this Upward Sports program is having a Christian and biblical presence in everything we do. In the middle of practice we do a devotional and we pray before our games.
I’m having so much fun getting to be a part of these kids’ growth both on and off the court. It excites me that I will probably get the chance to do more of this type of thing on the race.
Much love,
Saraya
