The Season of the UnderDog

Growing up, I always felt like the underdog because I didn’t fit in or wasn’t considered cool. Most of my adolescence I struggled with low self-esteem. Having low self-esteem makes you second guess your self a lot and constantly searched for validation from people. Also, as an underdog, I faced academic challenges, where teachers have embarrassed me in front of a class or spoke word curses over me. Those hurtful words affected me emotionally and academically. Honestly, I never saw my self as worthy after my hearing teachers and older ladies that I trusted talk down to me.

To overcome come to my struggle with my academics and my emotions, I found a love for sports. Track and Field became my release and a way for me to build my confidence. As a little girl, I enjoyed running with uncles every Saturday morning. My love track and field gave me a chance to showcase my talent to all of the doubters and the people that thought I was a shy a little girl with nothing to say. I noticed that my love sports changed my demeanor and approach to everything.

After running in track meets for years, I faced a major setback in my sports journey due to the constant pain in my hamstrings and knees. My doctors told me that the cross-training with volleyball and track was the cause of my legs issues. Also, the constant running and heavy weight lifting will eventually damage my cartilage in my knees. So, I was advised to switch to volleyball because it was easier on my knees. When I heard that I instantly was sad because track and field was my first love. Track and field was the sport that built my character and drive as an athlete. It just allows you to run your race at your pace without a care in the world. In letting go of track and field, the love for the game of volleyball became second nature to me. At first, I viewed volleyball as a tricky sport because it's considered a mental game with no time to think. As a planner, this game taught to be ready for anything. Basically, you have to see the floor and commit to the play in order to win the game.

I noticed that the game of volleyball has an array of players based on skill level, height, weight, and looks. Most of my teammates were 5’6 or taller but I was below the norm for them. My 5’3 stocky and muscular build cause an uproar in high school career because I didn't quite fit the coaches' vision for her team. With my height and stature, I felt like there was no place for me. That's when I became very unsure of myself. So, one day in practice I decided to prove to my coaches and my self that I had what it takes to make it on the varsity level team. Despite, all of my hard work and the negative critiques from my coaches, I was placed on the junior varsity level team. Even though, I was placed on the junior varsity team to make a point. I felt like God had me on the team to showcase my talents to everyone who’ve doubted me. To be placed on a lower team as a junior while my other teammates moved up was so hurtful and embarrassing. But, I played hard and continued to show camaraderie regardless of how I felt. Sometimes you have to go through certain situations to get to the blessing on the other side.

Going in my senior year, my coaches requested brief conservation with me to reevaluate my skills and any progress I have made during the last season. In the conversation, my coach told me that she created a special position on the varsity team just for me. In this position, they wanted me to master was the defensive specialist/libero. My job as the team's libero was to specialize in defense and passing skills. The libero is generally the best passer on the court, playing the position of the middle back most of the time. They wear a different colored jersey and they are the best passer on the court generally, they are expected to make the most consistent passes/ digs from the hardest balls to get, and often cover for weaker passers playing in the back row. Most libero is quick and fast when comes to the game volleyball.

After my coaches explained my new position on the team, I asked, them what made them create this for me? One of my coaches stated, “Arielle, you didn't quit when you were placed on junior varsity and you showed us that you deserve this position”. Sometimes, when you quit something before we see the blessing! This position created so many opportunities for me throughout the season and my future. During the season, I got a chance to do an interview on Star 102.5 FM & WIOZ 550 AM and I won MVP of the Southeastern Conference, 220 Diggs the whole season. At the end of the season, I offered a full scholarship to Shaw University. My hard work and determination helped me withstand the pressure of adversity. Also, I felt like God used my life to show my peers and coaches to see me as valuable.

In closing, people view underdogs as weak or not worthy of reaping any rewards. This experience taught me to be humble in the season that you’re in. God has about to change the order of things for the faithful ones and underdogs.

Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Ecclesiastes 9:11

Matthew 20:16

I want to encourage anyone that has been counted out. Your setback is only temporary and you may feel that this new season is difficult. But God is about to elevate the people that want it more. Even though this season may be strange and uncomfortable but praise your way through it.

The principles of track and field to always keep in mind that is:

Listen for the gun: (God’s voice)

Stay in your lane

Posture

Head down/Have discipline: ( God wants you to pray, fast and living a balanced life)

How do you know you’re winning season?

How you start is how you finish

Posture- Must be right to receive your blessings ( Head down/ Listen for sound)

Stay in your lane: Distractions/ Look straight ahead! No swaying!

Run your race!!!