Words from the Heart; Rough Draft

   When playing sports, athletes need to prepare for a big game not only at practices, but also right before the game.   Most athletes have their pre-game ritual they do to get them ready for the game, both mentally and physically..  Whether it's from listening to their favorite songs, to saying a prayer, everyone is different.  Many athletes have that one person they go to, to prepare them for the game.   That one person can say something and you feel like you're about to play the best game in your life.  For me, the one thing that got me prepared for a game was when my mom said the words, "No sked em' go get em."

    When I first started playing soccer at 4 years old, the first thing my mom would say to me would be "No sked em' go get em.".  She didn't want me to play timid like all the other little kids.  "Play like how I used to play" she would joke.  I was generally amused by that phrase since it sounded funny, like something I would read from a Dr. Suess book.
    I never really took the phrase seriously until I grew older and sports became more competitive.  I remember when I was 11 years old, I was freaking out because I was about to play my first HYSA game.  In the car with my leg nervously shaking, my mom gave her pep talk, and finally said the words, "No sked em' go get em".  That was the first time I actually thought about it, and took the phrase seriously.  I knew that I would have to play tough since I was a scrawny little sixth grader playing against huge middle schoolers.  As the whistle blew to start the game, I remember feeling my heart beat super fast.  The sun was beating down on my back as the phrase "No sked em' go get em" echoed in my head. I ended up holding my ground and actually got recognized by my new coach.  Since then,  I always used the phrase as an inspiration and motivation to strive to play my best.
    The phrase "No sked em' go get em" does not only apply to sports, but to other aspects of my life as well.  When I was in elementary, my self esteem was not the highest.  I was not the smartest student, nor the most talented.  However, I wanted to run for student government recording secretary.  I worked my butt off to write campaign speeches and make posters.   On the day of our speech, I thought about that quote my mom would always say.  I shook the nerves away, said my speech, and actually won!
     Sometimes the things that affect your life could be as simple as a phrase.  It may not be the deepest, but it sure made a huge difference in my life.  Whether it's before every game, or an important presentation, I will always keep that phrase in my mind.  It has always helped me to face many of my fears, and to tough things out.  Whenever you come across something difficult in life, just remember, "No sked em' go get em!"