A Journey of Growth
From High School Basketball to Golf and Life Lessons
High school is often a time of exploration and self-discovery, and for me, it was no different. My journey began on the basketball court, a place where I wasn't particularly skilled but managed to secure a spot on the team. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone.
During my freshman year, I stumbled upon an opportunity that would change the course of my high school experience: the school golf team. Golf was a sport I had grown to love, thanks to the summers spent playing with my grandfather in Arizona. Encouraged by this familiarity, I decided to try out for the team and was thrilled to make the junior varsity squad in my sophomore year. By the end of that year, I had advanced to the varsity team, even earning a starting position.
The highlight of our golf season was the CIF individual championship, a two-day event that brought together the best players from our league. The top 12 players from the first day would advance to the second day, forming the first and second all-league teams. Unfortunately, I was cut after the first day, but this setback only fueled my determination to make the first team all-league the following year.
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My junior year brought a new coach with a military mindset. His philosophy was to "tear a man down and build him up," a rigorous approach that pushed me to become the number two golfer on our team. I was driven by my goal to make the first team all-league. However, just a week before the tournament, the coach informed me that he didn't believe I was ready and chose someone else to compete. This decision was a crushing blow, as it felt like a year of opportunity had been taken from me.
That summer was a turning point. I channeled my frustration into determination, knowing I had only one year left to achieve my goals. My senior year, I set ambitious targets: to become the team captain, win our league, be named MVP, and make the first team all-league. I practiced relentlessly, focusing on these objectives with unwavering resolve.
As the golf season unfolded, I felt the weight of my aspirations. The pressure was intense, but I remained committed. At the end of the year, during the individual CIF tournament, I was tied for second place after the first day, securing my place for the second day. I learned that finishing in the top three would allow me to compete in a prestigious tournament in Palm Springs, California.
On the second day, my performance was lackluster. I struggled to post good scores and arrived at the 18th hole with a crucial three-foot putt. Normally, I would make such a putt without issue, but the pressure and uncertainty about my standing in the tournament got the better of me. I missed the putt, which would have secured second place, and ended up in fifth. Despite this, I achieved my goal of making the first team all-league.
At the end-of-year banquet, I realized I had accomplished all my goals: I was the team captain, we won the league, I was named MVP, and I made the first team all-league. It was a moment of immense pride and happiness.
Reflecting on these events 40 years later, I recently shared this story with my son. We often play golf together, and it's wonderful to share these memories with him. We discussed whether being held back by my coach was ultimately beneficial. Did it instill in me the focus and discipline I needed? I'm not entirely sure, but I often think about that missed three-foot putt and how small things can have a significant impact on our lives.
The lesson I learned is that the little things matter. They can make a huge difference, so the next time you face a seemingly small task, remember that it might be more important than it appears.