Being a good teammate can be defined in many ways, yet the only way to understand it is through experience. The character, bond, and integrity you build being around the same brothers for the long 3+ hour practices early in the morning is undeniable. Playing a wide variety of sports, such as baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and cross-country, has forced me to have countless teammates on different teams throughout my 14 years of athletics. Being a good one is not as common as most would think. It takes courage, leadership, trust, and, in my opinion, the most important accountability. You aren't just there for them whenever; you have their back always. Whenever someone messes up, it's your job to pick them up as well as it is hold them accountable for their mistake, depending on the situation. I have given my effort to be the leader on every team I've been a part of, and coming with that, I have learned that you have to walk the walk and talk the talk. In other words, someone a lot smarter than me said, "Play Hard, Don't Suck." Taking on this role, however, comes with leading by example, and that is something to carry throughout life. Throughout sports, the most important team I have been on is my senior season baseball team. This has been the same group of teammates for 10 years, growing up and playing baseball through my life. In particular, this team means so much to me as it is all my childhood friends. We are all playing together again at the highest stage we can in high school makes me miss little league and t-ball. I can see how much development all of us have gone through to be who we all are today. Being able to be the leader for the team, however, and to be the difference maker with the group I have been with since I started sports, gives a sense of confidence. The team chemistry and trust we have for each other is unmatched by anything I have been a part of before. Going through a major, unfortunate accident the week the season started, they showed unconditional support and love for me as well. Carrying faith on and off the field is something I will never take for granted again. As I recovered in the hospital on a vent from an electrical fire the week the season was supposed to start, I realized how much of an opportunity playing the sport I loved really was. Seeing how outside life goes on from inside the hospital bed showed me that every day is a blessing. The relationships and bonds I have made from playing sports are great, but overall, nothing would be possible if it didn't line up with God's plans. My situation of being on a vent for 4 days, getting taken off on the 5th, and leaving the hospital on the 6th day proves to me that faith and prayer do work. This thankfully carries onto the field as well, as I have made a recovery and am back to playing after only missing 3 games. Before every game, now, we conduct a prayer circle to give thanks for the opportunities we are given. Following God's path and a few encouraging words from Matt Green of "Play hard, don't suck," we are continuing our work to bring home the first state championship for our High School in baseball. Thank you.