As a child my parents enrolled me in every sport there is, from softball to field hockey, I tried it all. I have made lifelong friendships through playing recreational sports, and without volunteers I would have never had the opportunity to meet new people and eventually come to the conclusion that I wanted to play field hockey at the collegiate level. I played in both Clinton Township and High Bridge Youth Basketball from 2nd to 8th grade. My last few seasons I was lucky enough to have my dad as the assistant coach for my team, and I saw all the hard work he as a volunteer put into organizing plays and lineups. Even now he is still heavily involved in High Bridge Youth Basketball as a head coach for my younger brother’s team. Without volunteers like him, hundreds of kids in my area would not have had access to recreational basketball where they are able to grow their love for the game and make new friends. My dad has inspired me to get involved with volunteer work in my community. I have been a volunteer assistance coach at High Bridge Youth Basketball and at the Junior Lions Field Hockey camp. My goal all throughout has been to support and encourage all the kids that step onto the court/field. I was a kid that dreaded going to practices when I was younger because I didn’t know anyone and was scared of being the worst person there. As a volunteer I want to make sure each and every kid feels welcomed and excited to show up to practice/camp. During the school year I am very busy constantly participating in varsity field hockey and club field hockey, while also balancing extracurriculars like key club and my job. Although it can be a bit hectic sometimes I love having a schedule and fixed times (like field hockey practice) were I can take a break from the stress of school and enjoy my sport while also hanging out with my best friends. Another person who has inspired me to get involved in my community is my head field hockey coach (Coach Masters). Coach Masters started the Junior Lions field hockey program and now is my head coach at North Hunterdon High School. During my 4 years at North she has helped lead the field hockey team to 1 state championship win and 1 state championship runner-up. Her discipline is something I really look up to. She has a full time job but still managed to get to each one of our games and practices on time. We had some very early 5am practices and some late 6pm games. Without volunteers like her I truly don’t believe we would have made it that far in states. While in college and even after I would really like to be involved in some sort of community service/ volunteering. Without volunteers I would not be where I am today and I feel that I owe it to my community to give back in any way I can. I don’t plan on moving far after college so I would love to be a volunteer coach at Junior Lions, not only would it be a full circle moment, but an opportunity for me to keep the amazing program running and inspire younger athletes to continue to do what they love!