Sad, but true; my genes have not graced me with the swiftness of Bailey, the muscles of Schwartznegger or talent of Pele. I do, however, have the perseverance of The Little Engine That Could.
Contrary to popular belief, second-string players play key roles on sports teams. We help distribute the weight on the bench, preventing it from tipping over and are useful water distributors. Joking aside, second string-players provide the team with vital support.
We are the athletes who must constantly be mentally prepared to come off the bench and deliver that winning goal, basket, spike or turn-over. We are clutch specialists who are called upon to deliver the goods when the shipment is due. Okay, we are mostly used as a means of giving the starters a rest.
Nevertheless, a pine rider's responsibilities must be taken seriously. We must be there to support our teammates no matter how numb our butts feel.
I never realized how important my job was until my coach said something like: "Karen, you're not a starter. You were close to getting cut from the team, but you came to the practices and showed me that you wanted to play. You're a good defense man, but the other girls are just better. I need you to take on more of a leadership role. You're a veteran and the rookies are looking up to you."
I wasn't too impressed with the whole "being cut- other girls are better than you" thing. After reading between the lines though, I realized that there was a lot more to playing soccer than fancy footwork and a bi-coloured ball.
Let me explain... Being a member of a sports team is like living in a family. In order for that family to work as a whole, you need to support it. It is the benchwarmers of any sports team that act as its support system. We're a bunch of players who go through the grueling hours of practice, and weight training, only to receive nothing in return- i.e. playing time, or as my coach refers to it,"candy."
Plenty of skill is involved in being an effective bench player.
First, you can't be selfish. Bench players cannot think of themselves, they must always think of the collective. If I constantly dwelled on my lack of playing time, I'd be. . . a bitter bitch. In no way would this help the team morale or my career as a Lady Blue.
Second, Pine Riders must be patient, encouraging, and focused. You must know how to keep morale up. Without this support, the team wouldn't be nearly as successful.
Bench players act as the "behind the scenes" people. We are the woman behind the woman, the back lighting on the stage. While others stand in the spotlight, we help hold that light steady. Pine riding isn't a very glamorous job, but hey, somebody's gotta do it.
Playing sports teaches you not only about fitness, but also about life, about perseverance, dedication and teamwork. Bench warming teaches you that it takes many parts to make a whole. After all, you can't start a fire without a little wood.
So I will yell it and yell it loud: "I am a Lady Blue, a warrior, a soldier, and most importantly, a bench warmer."
