Saturday, December 13, 2008

TSG "let me go" on Thursday: Now searching for a tennis team to join.

In high school, I was on the basketball team. All 5 feet and 3/4 of an inch of me tried out my freshman year and after a week of tryouts, I ran through the basement halls of my high school thrilled that my name was on the roster.

Practice was hard, I went through a series of bad coaches and good coaches, I worked my guts out so I could stay on the team. Late nights in the East High gym were pretty regular (and I wasn't there to dance and sing, sorry to disappoint you, Disney). I remember a time when I stayed after practice two hours just shooting free throws. It practically took over my entire life, but I figured basketball was giving me something, too.

But I didn't always feel like my dedication, sweat, and stress was worth it. All 5 feet and 3/4 of an inch of me sat on the bench game after game. When I did get put in the game, I wasn't used to the pressure, quick decisions, and tall girls...(let's get real) but you know, I always added to my team, never subtracted. I ran just as hard as the star players and my shoes squeaked just as loud, as I covered my man, or my zone on defense and ran the plays on offense, I communicated on the court, and I even had a good time doing it. Over time, I improved, and gained experience I couldn't have gained anywhere else, but my part of the bench was still kept very warm.

Then one night it happened. After three years on the team, my coach came over to my home, sat on my couch, and asked me if I would like to be "team manager" the next year instead of play for the team. Really? Be a water boy? I don't think so. She didn't have to tell me I was cut from the team and I never checked the list.

But I took up tennis that summer, tried out for the tennis team, made it, played doubles with a freshman, and all 5 feet and 3/4 of an inch of me took 2nd in State my senior year. Sad I wasn't playing basketball still? Absolutely. Sad I had learned to play tennis, had a new team and coaches to hang out with, and felt rewarded after every match? Nope, not at all.

Besides, they actually make tennis uniforms my size.

13 comments:

  1. Aw Candace,
    I was shocked when I heard. Mouth hanging down. Because you are top quality- seriously the best. I truly think so.

    I'm excited to see what you'll do, whatever it is that you choose. You are so inquisitive and smart and beautifully confident-as you should be.

    Let's get together this week.

    Love Jenny.

    And I loved this post. You little journalism major!

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  2. you go, girl. someone else can keep that bball bench warm cuz it aint gonna be you!

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  3. You know, that was brilliant. Loved it. And stupid TSG. So let's play. Ikea tomorrow?

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  4. Hey!
    I am so sorry to hear about TSG! However, I grew up playing tennis! The next time I am in the Salt Lake area we can play together! Then we can reminisce about the English class we took together...good times!! :)

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  5. I can hardly wait to see what the new team looks like. Who ever they are, I hope they are ready for a fireball in pint size! Watch out world, you are about to be changed. . .

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  6. Candace, I can not say it enough - your grace, your class, your tact are simply unparalleled. I read this and then had to share it with Noah on the heels of my, "she is so incredible!" outward expression. My heart has been pretty heavy all weekend, but there is this little piece of me that knows you are on the brink of something amazing so I'm holding on to that :). Thank you for your example of optimism and faith. As I emphatically exclaimed to Noah yesterday, you are so incredible.

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  7. this post broke my heart but also gave me hope! i know you will find your tennis team and it will be so much more rewarding and they will treat you so much better. you will have your day in the sun...not that you didn't at tsg. you were always in the sun to me! but they are in the shade with the losers!

    i am proud of you and your attitude on everything. i believe you will get 1st at state this time! ;)

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  8. hey, my 5'4" will play basketball (or anything else!) with your 5'3/4" anytime! their loss, tennis team's gain! love you Candace! (this is auntie becky, by the way)

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  9. Play tennis Candace! Play tennis, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!


    ...Then burn that mother to the ground!

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  10. I feel like the sad towel girl who watched her favorite player leave the team.

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  11. At times we're HELPED to find our right path because some of the doors are closed. With the big things in place Candace, you can have peace that you're exactly where you're supposed to be. You are loved and appreciated by many. Lead out!

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  12. you are a class act my friend, a class act. and this post is wonderfully crafted.

    you are destined for greater things than what tsg could give to you, and that's the honest truth.

    i hope you have a very merry christmas!! :)

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  13. very creative writing....we like it! and I think i can remember you playing at east

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