Express how your high school athletics have prepared you for college and the impact they have had on your life.
             I believe that participating in high school sports has greatly helped in preparing me for college. If I had not played sports throughout my life I would not be the person that I am today. Sports have taught me so much about life on and off the field. I have learned how to overcome adversity through injuries, people, and defeat.
             When I was a sophomore in high school, I suffered a concussion that lasted for five months. Having the concussion made me realize that playing sports was just for fun and not worth risking my life over. I realized this when I learned that another hit to the head could have ended my playing career and given me long term brain damage. At the beginning of my junior year, I tore my MCL and cartilage in my left knee while playing soccer. I played two seasons, one club and one high school, with it torn. It was very frustrating for me because I could not play at the level of intensity that I wanted to. Over the summer I had arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage in my knee.
             Sports have also taught me about relationships. I have played sports with people whom I probably wouldn't talk to otherwise. On the other hand, I have made some life long friendships with some of my teammates and coaches. My freshman year I met an older girl while playing basketball and we became the best of friends. She was a role model to me because she was an excellent student, an outstanding athlete, and an amazing person. She taught me how to stay positive through the tough times. We stayed inseparable until she went away to college. I then learned how people have to change in order for their friendships to last over distances.
             Dealing with defeat is another lesson that playing sports has taught me. I have learned how to deal with losing and how to move on from a loss to become better. During my ...