Everyone could hear him from the sidelines. He was the loudest parent at the soccer game. Every morning before my game, my father would play his "pump up" playlist in the car to get me ready for the match. Dad would bring to every sports game, showing up early, and leaving late, cheering for me with the same enthusiasm at seventeen that he did when I was five. Sports have been a crucial part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've played soccer, competed in martial arts, horseback riding, swimming and rowing. When my parents got divorced, sports became an outlet for me, and a place for me to spend time with my father. I have struggled with health issues, mental illness and financial difficulties, yet sports have remained a constant. When I was feeling depressed, going to play soccer in the park always helped lift my spirits. If I was having complications with my blood disorder, I could look forward to getting back out on the water to row, giving me the motivation I needed to aide my recovery. My father passed away this January from renal failure, and I think of him everyday. I miss his enthusiasm for upcoming games. I miss his joy of filming soccer games, with his phone filled with videos of me playing. I miss the hug he would give me after a competition, regardless of if I won or lost. Our last conversation we had talked about how he was looking forward to coming to my next regatta. He was planning on bringing several gatorades (which he thought was absolutely essential to any sports competition) and binoculars so he "could watch his pookie row" as I went around the course. I like to talk to him while I wait to start races, and the last time I was on the water I swear I could see his smile in the sunset. Overall, I can confidently say that I would not be the person I am today without sports. I would not have the confidence, skills to overcome hardships, or the dedication to pursue my education. I owe a lot of my ability to play sports to my father. Regardless of where he was financially he always made sure to get me the equipment I needed. He drove me to every practice, and showed up to every single game. Even if he didn't have to time to take off, he took sick days to come watch my matches and races. Sports has saved my life, and in a way, I suppose I owe my father for that too.