My Journey on the Basketball Team Participating in anything involves a struggle, such as fitting in or trying to be the best. Basketball is a priority sport in my family. I always knew that as soon as I reached middle school it would be time to fulfill my family's prophecy of joining a basketball team. At first I wasn't too keen on the thought. I decided to talk to some of my friends to get their point of view on the matter. Most of their responses were negative. I remember my best friend at the time telling me, "You can't even comb your hair and cut your nails, how are you going to play basketball?" I don't even know why I asked, it wasn't like I had a choice. The test was approaching mid-October. I had a little bit of experience, but I felt like I was the best. If one person isn't at their best that day, the team works harder to replace the one we lost. Our point guard was also the captain of our team, she kept us together. When we don't get along as a team, she always knows what to say to us on the same page. My experience as a basketball player has had its ups and downs, but I have grown stronger as a person. At first it was a little more difficult trying to fit in. But after all our walls came down, we started to accept each other. Lastly, making the Barnett Junior High School basketball team was one of my best experiences. I was proud to be a part of something for once my freshman year. It wasn't an easy road, but I found my way and worked with my teammates. As I said before, friends said things to discourage me from trying to make the team. Their words didn't stop me but motivated me to work harder. During the trial week, after school hours, I will practice making drips with my sisters, run a mile every night, and learn to shoot balls to make baskets. At first, my friend's words try to play in my mind. My parents always told me this, "never give up" and I did just that and made them proud. They supported me during my days in the team. They went to my games and cheered me on