Angela's Journal

February 5, 2006

Just Do It!

When I first began seeing those now classic Nike commercials featuring stellar athletes performing incredible feats of athleticism I was in awe. As an avid sports spectator, my favorite position is bench-side, especially during one of my daughter's basketball games. Having grown up with three brothers and two sisters who participated in almost every sport possible, I learned first-hand the amount of dedication required of all family members. With six kids, weeknights and weekends at my family's home were packed with endless extracurricular activities. My parents kept us busy and "out of trouble."

While my dad would hone his skills as an assistant coach, my mom was the football's team mom and our cheer mom for the years when my sisters and I worked the sidelines. My father's cousins also played on NFL teams, so we "developed" a love of sports out of mere dedication to supporting family members. When their teams came to town, it meant special dinners and chats about the weekend games. So, you could say my love of the game - any game from football to hockey is ingrained. It's in my soul. And, I vowed to have my children learn to love the game as I.

Their appreciation began to develop following the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics when we watched some of my siblings' friends compete and win medals. For Shani and Samara, just knowing that their mommy once helped pick up and drop off those future Olympiads to practice and track meets was an amazing concept. The girls were able to put faces with names and then hear confirmation from uncles who shared their experiences of competing in the Junior Olympics and meeting greats such as Marion Jones and Florence Griffith-Joiner ("aka" Flo-Jo).

This winter when asked by one of my daughter's camp counselors to sign them up for basketball, I debated for a moment considering the $95 registration fee. However, after speaking with other parents and watching the girls practice during a screening, I discovered that I was parenting budding Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie sports jocks. While I knew my younger daughter Samara loved playing basketball with her god-brother, Xavier, I never realized that she could dribble and shoot like the best of them. I'd have to say that Shani was my biggest and most pleasant surprise. Here I thought my sprouting 4-foot 8-inch, 9-year-old with long legs was on her way down the catwalks of Tokyo and London with Tyra Banks and the rest of America's Top Models. She's also blessed with an incredible voice and so my thoughts were on the line of performing arts kid like myself. But, oh was I surprised.

It's like childhood all over again for me. I'm on the sidelines working with the coaches and other moms, bringing snacks and talking about ways to help the girls "reach their next level" of play. Coming into the game in the Minor Leagues, Shani's getting a full primer on basketball, learning all of the mechanics and being asked to execute in every game. With exactly five players on her team, there's no substitution - team play is the key at all times. What's cute is our tween girl versions of Shaq, Kobe, Anthony, McGrady and Iverson. Known as "The Fire," the girls are so close that sometimes during the game it's more of a chat fest than athletic contest. A true reminder that having fun is what really matters at this age. For Shani, her newfound discovery of basketball skills is yet another gift in her basket of things she brings to the table of success. Sure, I'm proud of her.

Samara's Mighty-Mites League is an introduction to the world of basketball, where kids learn the basics but games are not scored. Sure she's had her share of jammed fingers and hurt feelings when no one passes her the ball, but she's learning about teamwork and sharing. And, I can barely keep her out of her uniform long enough to wash it. So, I'd have to say that she's found her niche for the time being, but says she also wants to look at softball as her next sport.
Although our family life is back to a more hectic schedule, we're having fun. The girls are learning about commitment, the importance of practice makes perfect and not dwelling on the past. While it's tough to watch referees call certain games, I'm learning my role as the bench-side parent. I can't live vicariously through Shani and Samara, but I can watch them "just do it" and shower them with hugs and kisses.

Angela
shaniadura@netzero.net