As long as I can remember all I ever wanted, was to play basketball. Whether it was shooting in the driveway, dribbling around pretending I was Kobe, or laying in bed working on my form.. ALL I wanted was to be a great basketball player. I set goals for myself, and held myself to a VERY high standard.
Goals I had such as winning a championship and even becoming a pro were the ultimate prize. But what I have come to realize, it isn't about actually reaching those goals, but the journey and sacrifices I have made to achieve them.
The biggest sacrifice is as being away from family and friends for the past 4 1/2 years. I haven't been home for so many things its hard to keep track. (In college I was home for 3 weeks in the summer and 5 days at christmas). Whether it's Koen birthday parties ( I haven't been home for the past 4), the birth of my niece in December, hanging out with family, or even dinner with friends.. they are all important to me.
Basketball has given me so much and made me the person I am today. It has made me tough, determined and shed light on the true meaning of hard work. My best friends in school ( and now) were also my teammates at one point, my coaches have become life long friends, it brought my family together, I have met so many people, I earned a free education, I have traveled the country, and now I am across the world... The sacrifices that I have made were ALL worth it when I held the MAC championship trophy, and the love I have for the game is second to none; however, when this season ends basketball won't be everything to me anymore....
What is most important to me is watching my nephews and my niece grow. I want to be there for them no matter what. I want to be there when they sing in a school program or score a goal in a soccer game. I want to buy them ice-cream, take them to the pool or movie and see all of their firsts. I want to be home to kiss Josh when I want to, go to dinner with my family, hang out with siblings and play with my puppy ( Oakley will always be my "puppy") everyday........... I could go on for hours, but you get it..... I miss home
Once this season ends I will have to make yet another huge decision. To stay in Zanesville , become a PTA ( If they accept me) become a certified strength and conditioning coach and coach basketball while being close to family OR go to PT school in Findlay. Being accepted to school is huge and I don't want to be crazy turning down an opportunity like that. I still have months to think about my decision and to weigh all of my options...
For now, I am trying to focus on today. I am still not playing anywhere close to how I would like to be. Why? Not sure... Is it in my head? absolutely. Do I think being my first time in Europe, far away from home has something to do with it? Maybe. Not playing to my capabilities has been frustrating, and definitely doesn't make being away easier...
We are currently on a losing streak. I NEED to play well this weekend not just for the team or my sanity, but because its my job. My job is to score, and to play how my coach and organization expected me to play. My job is to help this team win games.. and I am going to do everything I can to make that happen Saturday.
Josh arrives in 5 days and I couldn't be more excited!
- Hanna