The landscape of high school sports has changed dramatically in the last decade. With the introduction of NIL, and increased college recruiting, the pressures on both athletes and programs have intensified. Even with these developments, it's important to remember the true essence of participating in sports: to develop and refine our skills while enjoying the the team camaraderie. I came across an old tweet from Matt Lisle, Oregon State Softball Coach that served as a powerful reminder of the true purpose of high school sports. "Too many kids have been taught the goal of High School sports is to achieve an ATHLETIC scholarship- here's the truth: the goal of HS sports is to learn how to be a better person, better teammate, better communicator, and to enjoy being a teenager. Something you can't get back." One of the most valuable lessons that participation in sports imparts is personal accountability. This extends beyond individual performance to include accountability to oneself, teammates, and coaches. At Mercy, our Athletic Department places a strong emphasis on accountability and self-advocacy. The most important commitment anyone can make is first to themselves and second to their teammates.

Engaging in education-based athletics is a privilege that, when approached with the right mindset, can be an incredibly rewarding journey. It's about more than just wins and losses; it's about personal growth, teamwork, and enjoying the experience of being a teenager.