Team Ontario/Bump In The Road 🔶

In my early teens I played OPDL (Ontario Player Development League). I was selected 2 years in a row to play for Team Ontario but was cut in the 3rd year. 

Team Ontario has given me a lot of good experiences but also taught me many lessons. It was the first time I was exposed to such a competitive environment. I wasn’t use to starting games on the bench. At the time I remember being grateful to be there. The little playing time I got did not stop me from working my hardest. I took the opportunity to ask many questions and to try and get as much feedback as I could. 

I was devastated when I was cut in the 3rd year. But as months/years passed by I realized it was a lesson for me. Ever since that day I have pushed myself to limits that I never thought I would ever do. I have put myself in uncomfortable positions to push myself to become better. I challenged myself by playing with older females the following year. One of my coaches sent me a letter to remind me to never give up a couple weeks later. I still have the letter today and remember the words in that letter to push myself on days were I am not performing my best. 

The lesson here is that sports can disappoint you at times but these are chances for you to learn and grow or for you to choose to give up.