Foul! That’s the most common call I have to make during games as a referee. At Alodia Basketball Academy in my home town of Tomball, Texas, I get a chance to referee basketball games for first to second graders and it can be challenging but fun at the same time. Kids in this age bracket are starting to play basketball and they can be very competitive as well as score-driven most of the time. Understandably, they are still learning the concepts and skills of the game and tend to gather fouls when defending their opponents. It is a very common observation and I remember myself being similarly competitive and unaware of how to practice correct defense when I started playing basketball at that age. I consider each time I get to serve as a referee for these games as an opportunity to impart the knowledge and skills that I have learned throughout the years I played basketball. When I call a foul, some players and parents complain that it’s not, so I try to clearly explain why the call was made but it is truly impossible to please everyone. It is during these times that I believe learning happens. Having conversations with these young players is a memory that stands out. These can be just sharing a quick advice about how to play defense, acting nicely, listening to your coach, prioritizing team goals and practicing sportsmanship on and off the court. I have seen how elementary school basketball players, especially first and second graders, look up to and appreciate high school basketball players for giving them advice focusing on how they play. It is that phase when they can see themselves as future varsity players so they value each time they get to spend discussing their games or playing with high school students. I know this is true because I was this young kid too many years ago. I fondly remember feeling satisfied for a job well done when I would get encouraging comments after a game and how these remarks used to make me smile. So, knowing that I was that same young basketball player before, I take time to teach and share my experiences with these kids. I believe that if even one kid out there will remember an advice I have given in a positive way, then I have made a significant impact in this sport I love. As a referee, I have developed understanding, patience and the skill to assess each player’s strengths and weaknesses. These are values that I apply in my own games as a basketball varsity player on the court and the same values that I apply in my everyday life. When I am faced with a challenging situation, I seek to understand why the issue is difficult and try to be patient in finding a solution. Then I assess my own strengths and weaknesses in order to bring out an effective resolution. It may not provide me with the best outcome all the time but I always try to find a learning opportunity in each tough situation that I can use moving forward. Being a referee is a fun and immeasurable way to give back to the sport that has helped shape me into the person that I am now. I will continue to referee games whenever I have an opportunity. I believe it will keep me physically active, allow me to be continuously in touch with the sport that has given me so much, and at the same time, it will be a great support in college.

“You either have to do surgery or just continue exercising and using a knee brace when you play and hope it does not happen again.” This is what my orthopedic doctor tells me every time I get evaluated for a patella subluxation. As a basketball player who started playing at third grade, basketball means a lot to me. I was playing one time in middle school and without any physical contact, I heard my right knee pop causing excruciating pain. It has affected my right knee at least three times and every time this happened, I get sidelined for a few weeks and had to undergo physical therapy. My doctor explained that anatomically, my knees are positioned higher than usual and the groove where the kneecaps rest are not as deep as they should be, thereby, prompting my kneecap do dislocate. Surgery, though a more permanent resolution, is not a guarantee that subluxation will not happen again. Therefore, my family and I chose the more conservative route which involved physical therapy, continuous strengthening exercises, wearing a knee brace during games for knee stability and lots of prayers. But a few weeks before basketball season started in my senior year, my left knee dislocated while we were at team practice. This was the first time my left knee was involved. I worked religiously with physical therapy and more on my own to get back in shape and, fortunately, was able to start playing when basketball season officially opened last fall. Basketball entails a lot of running, passing and fast movements. Knowing that I can get injured anytime is an adversity that I have to overcome each time I play. When you’re on the court playing, you get immersed in the play that you do not think twice when you move, dribble, pass, try to score, play defense or dive for loose balls. A player just plays his heart out that is why it is very devastating when an injury happens. But with every downfall, one needs to rise up. So, every time I get cleared to play again, I play harder but try to purposely protect my knees as much as I can. Another adversity I have to overcome also is my size. Basketball is a game that favors tall players. Being only five feet and ten inches tall, I have to play harder against taller opponents and compensate my lack of height with skills, speed and smart plays. As our basketball season recently ended, our team’s hard work paid off and we made it to the first round of play offs. On an individual level, I have been awarded “All-District Second Team” twice in a row. My experience with getting injured has opened myself to realizations that success comes to those who are not afraid to try again regardless of how many times they’ve previously failed. My experience with injuries and rehabilitation has inspired me to pursue a career in this area of healthcare. I will be enrolling public health and eventually pursue physical therapy. When I went for my physical therapy sessions, my therapists not just focus on exercises. They see me as an individual and, during our sessions, made meaningful conversations with me regarding life in general. My physical therapists have inspired me in many ways to rehabilitate not just my physical well-being but motivated me spiritually as well. I hope to be able to give back the same help and motivation to others in the future.