As an athlete, it’s hard to find time to volunteer in my day. With practices every day and being a student in high school, it’s hard juggling all the responsibilities. However, I learned a couple years ago that I was able to both be involved in sports and volunteer. This soon became my life every winter to summer. I grew up playing basketball for the North Adams basketball League. I didn’t even realize just how much went into that until I got older. When I started playing basketball, I was surrounded by tons of adults teaching me the game. How to dribble, pass, shoot, even how to run. I got older but remained surrounded by an influx of coaches teaching me basketball. When I got to eighth grade, I truly learned just how many people were giving away their hours to help me every year. That was when I started helping out the younger kids who were just starting to play the game. I felt as if with all my time surrounded by older people who knew the game would help teach these kids. Every winter since, I helped out coaching every weekend. This goes for softball too. My high school coach had reached out to me asking if I would be interested in coaching U10 softball. This was an easy yes as I liked volunteer coaching basketball. This lasted from spring through summer. I’d end up going to practices and games after my own. The team improved a lot through the season. I have learned just how much I love helping people. It felt good to help others grow to love the game just as much as I did. It was fun watching everyone succeed. After youth coaching as a volunteer, I continue to find myself deeply committed to helping kids through their sports journeys. Seeing the growth and development of young minds learning how to live is very rewarding. Additionally, the impact extends past the court or fields. By helping these kids I have helped shape their character. They have learned hard work and teamwork. Every interaction with them offers a chance to deepen their skills. Along with this, the bonds formed with the kids are invaluable. Watching them grow helps me to stay involved. I plan on continuing to coach all throughout my life, even when I come back from college. I realized how much volunteering made me a better person. Volunteering isn’t a task, but a fun opportunity to help with something I am so passionate about. I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. When I am done playing sports, I plan on coaching basketball. I care so much about the game and want to help everyone become the best version of themselves they can be. Thank you for your time and consideration.