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.