Since as early as I can remember I had always played team sports. From a young age I enjoyed the combination of competition and working together with teammates. But it wasn't until fourth grade when I found football. This sport stood out from all the rest because of its difficulty, intensity, and most significantly because of the amount of commitment it required. The difference was notable from the first day of practice, which was harder than even any game I had played in another sport. At first I questioned if I wanted to continue with the sport, but soon the shared hardship brought me closer to my team than I had ever been with any other team and from that point my life was changed. Over the course of the season the team became my family, and that made me want to work harder than I ever had. Since then I have always been part of a team, and this defines who I am.
I ended up playing eight years of football and am currently in my fifth season of rugby. Every one of those teams including my current UCLA rugby team has been my family. I am naturally a hard worker, but when I am working for my team I'm inspired to work harder than I ever could alone. I always have my team in mind, not only because it gives me an identity, but also because it allows me to push myself much harder in all aspects of life. My eye is on the championship, because every family I've been a part of I've seen championship potential in, both on and off the field. I want nothing but the best for my teammates and I know the feeling is mutual for me. I will hold a national championship trophy with them, but this alone isn't good enough. Champions are made champions through habit, and should be champions in all aspects of life before they reach their title. This is what I want for myself and my teammates, and I try to live my life with this thought in mind.
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