Developing Strength and Sincerity

Conditioning often combines cardio with strength training, along with detailed maneuvers that help athletes achieve a specifically designed durability to master their chosen sport. Anyone who knows anything about sports understands and respects those efforts. The dedication and commitment that consumes an athlete to achieve such high standards seldom goes unnoticed; high praise and scholarship offers are often the result for fortunate young student-athletes.

Achieving such recognition, however, carries with it responsibilities that many don't think about. People are born with certain attributes to nurture and develop; for many athletes, that attribute is their physical athleticism. 

That being said, athletes of all ages need to remember that people from many different areas are always watching. Behavior on and off the field will be scrutinized more than others and with that comes personal accountability. The cheers, enthusiasm, and praise that athletes—even young athletes—receive from the fans that attend sporting events are a direct reflection of their pride in their school and/or their team.

Young children and classmates often want to emulate athletes. The press may laud their accomplishments, parents and fans cheer those accomplishments, and colleges may seek them out because of those accomplishments. The trick to all this praise is this: athletes represent their schools, communities and the people in the stands. Athletes' behavior and choices not only reflect what kind of person they are, but often determine how their future will unfold.

Fans often feel connected to athletes. When athletes and teams achieve, fans—many of whom are young children—share in their pride. When athletes fall, fans sometimes feel their pain.

As an athlete, remember to always treat this trust and support with respect.

“Live your life so that when others think of integrity, strength, compassion, and respect, they think of you.” Claudia Narcisi is a teen advocate/speaker. Visit her at www.WomenAreWe.com.