There are 4 reasons why playing a sport is important:
1. Great workout!
In most sports, you have to take care of your body in a certain way. You have to be conditioned so that you protect your mental health and keep yourself from getting any serious injuries. Although most sports do out-of-sport conditioning such as lifting, keeping yourself strong and healthy is a big part of what makes a good player. You have to drink water, have a healthy diet, and maintain an excellent mental lifestyle.
2. Amazing place to meet new people!
Because Ladue is a big school, meeting new people every day is possible. However, meeting new people in a sport is different. Playing a sport forces a group of people into your daily life, in which you spend most of your time together. For example, during the season, Ladue girls basketball meets every day except Saturdays. These days include team bonding, where many spend time with people with whom they might not have a lot in common with, but one thing they all have in common is the sport played.
3. Support for college!
Playing a sport in high school could improve your chances of getting into a great college. Most colleges look for athletes who know how to contribute to the game on and off the court. Playing 4 years of a high school sport and then moving on to college in that sport can set you up for a great life in a professional sport. So, if you don’t have a plan for your future or an idea of what you would like to move forward to, you would at least have a backup plan. Most of the time athletes who play all of their high school careers and move on to college have an interest in playing a sport professionally.
4. Always having something to do!
When playing a sport, especially in high school, your week is always packed with your team. Some students complain about not having anything to do and not being social. However, joining a sport can definitely affect your time. Your week will mostly include three-four practices, two games, team bonding and team study hall. When playing sports, you make friends, gain a social life with teammates and always have something to do!
