Summer VISTA’s Sam, Emily & Angela on the Impact of Playing Childhood Sports

When you grow up playing a sport, you’re taught much more than how to play the game. For a lot of people childhood sports are fundamental in developing values, morals, and positive personality traits. Whether it be the importance of respect, or the power of teamwork, sports can teach us how to be better people on and off the field (or court, pool, etc.). 

Many of our AmeriCorps Summer VISTAs have been playing sports their entire lives. They’ve decided to dedicate their summer to service and give back to the sports community that helped shape them as athletes. VISTA members Sam Diaz, Emily Denio, and Angela Strong have each shared with us how childhood sports have impacted the person they are today.

Sam Diaz

Summer Camp AmeriCorps VISTA at Harlem Lacrosse & Leadership

When I started playing lacrosse in 8th grade, it was more of a hobby and something fun to do in my free time. I didn’t realize just how much I would actually enjoy it. Starting off with Harlem Lacrosse (originally City Lacrosse) opened so many opportunities for me. I got to meet some of the best coaches and make lifelong friendships with some of my teammates. I grew as a person by learning the importance of surrounding support and commitment. Giving five years to a sport takes a large amount of dedication and I learned that by surrounding yourself with the best people helps with that dedication. 

Not only did I learn valuable skills but I was introduced to so many new things in life. I was able to go to lacrosse tournaments on the east coast and most importantly, I am able to attend college and play lacrosse. Harlem Lacrosse played a huge role in my college selection process and helped make it possible. The opportunities are endless and make me super grateful to have been a part of this program as a player and now as a coach.

Emily Denio

Program Operations AmeriCorps VISTA at Bay Area Disc Association

I began playing ultimate frisbee on a whim in 7th grade, after some of my friends had joined our middle school’s team. I played throughout high school, joined youth club teams, wrote college essays about ultimate, and now play for UC Davis Rogue. Today, nearly seven years since I first picked up a frisbee, I’m still hooked. Sure, there's something electrifying about chasing a plastic disc around a grass field, but that’s not the real reason I keep playing. 

Ultimate has given me the gift of community. Nearly all of my biggest role models have been my coaches and captains. My teammates have become my chemistry-tutors, my pumpkin-pie-baking compatriots, my favorite comedians, and my friends. Some are now my best friends. Regardless of the bucket they fall into, they can generally be described as wonderful people. They’re funny, smart, kind, and so incredibly supportive on and off the field. They also push me to be a better person. As a result, I’ve grown into myself; my confidence has increased, I’ve found my voice, and I’ve become a better teammate and a more dynamic leader. Sports, and the ultimate community in particular, has allowed me to thrive.

Maybe it's cheesy, but deciding to play ultimate has proven to be among the Top 3 life decisions I’ve ever made. And it was definitely the best decision middle school me ever made. 

Angela Strong

Program Operations AmeriCorps VISTA at Exposure Skate

Skateboarding has impacted my life in many ways. This sport has taught me that it is okay to fail, and that failing is a part of life. Growing up skating in contests like Exposure has taught me how to truly express myself. I have learned to look at society and culture in different lenses thanks to skateboarding. The Exposure Skate team does a great job at making it known we are all about community. Girls come out from all over the world and bond over skateboarding. I first competed in Exposure when I was 13 years old. I am now 19 working for this rad community.  Skateboarding in a community like Exposure Skate has taught me that it does not matter how old you are or where you come from, you are always welcomed and you can always lend a helping hand no matter what your skill level is. The opportunities are endless to strengthen the community together.

The main thing that skateboarding has taught me is that life is short. You have a chance to leave a mark in this unique world… so leave a bold one.