The glaring sun, beating down on the parched, exposed court. The inspiration and drive to play were overpowered by mental and physical fatigue, weighing me down as if stones replaced my legs. I sit down on the bench, taking gulps of water after long hours spent on the court. It’s painful, draining, and infuriating. But the next day, I’ll be back, going through the whole cycle all over again.

My friends often ask why I spend so much time on a concrete court, hitting a neon yellow ball back and forth over a net. “It’s just a game,” they would say. “Skip practice for a bit, and come hang out with us.” But is it just a game?

My very first memory of tennis wasn’t all warm and fuzzy like you’d expect. In fact, it’s the opposite. I was holding my tiny, toddler-sized tennis racket in front of my face, running around the court and away from the ball, shrieking that it would hit me. I was right, and the ball hit me square in the face, the impact smacking the racket straight into my nose. The crying fit and bloody nose immediately following that were not pleasant.

Now, six years later, and many more balls-to-the-face, I’ve gotten over the fear of balls. But the same passion and enthusiasm for tennis has remained with me. That passion has grown over time, from a mild enjoyment of the sport I played once a week to a love for something I never thought would be so important to me. Tennis isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle I’ve organized my life around.

I’ve made so many treasured memories on the court, ones that I won’t forget for the rest of my life. The silly, unique people I’ve met through the sport are one of a kind. I am forever thankful to tennis for allowing us to cross paths, bonding over our love for the sport, and growing closer outside of it. Tennis isn’t just a game, it’s a builder of bridges and friendships.

I’ve shed tears of anger, frustration, joy, and laughter on the court. It’s not always fun and sunshine, though I wish it were. But the highs and lows of tennis have taught me to accept and embrace failure. There are times when we may succeed, and there will always be times when we fail. Tennis isn’t just a game, it’s a teaching tool that nurtures growth and maturity.

I am thankful for the opportunity that I have been blessed with, being able to play sports and pursue academics at the same time. Even more so, I am thankful for the support of my parents, allowing me to pursue this “game” that I cherish so deeply—because it’s not just a game, it’s my game.

Photo Courtesy of FLICKR.COM