Chris+R.

__What Make Athletes Better?__ I believe that determination, heart, and the willingness to succeed is what makes athletes better. Ever since I was little I've heard stories of my parents, uncles, and grandparents athletic accomplishments. Although I heard great stories about my uncle Matt playing football for Wake Forest or my uncle John winning the state championship for soccer when he was in high school, the story of my mother and how she tore her ACL playing basketball in high school sticks out to me most. Although she tore her ACL, she did not quit and went on to play college softball as a walk on at Suny Albany. This story sticks to me because of her determination to play sports never went away when this devastating injuring occurred and the doctors telling my mom that she will probably never be able to play sports again at the level she did. Although she would later have to stop playing because of her injury I still think her determination to play again was inspiring. My determination and willingness to succeed comes from the pick-up games my brother and I played growing up. No matter what game we were playing my brother would not only win but shut me out and whenever I did win he would probably get upset and complain about a foul (if we were playing basketball) or a strike call (if we were playing waffle ball). He would try to tell me that he let me win and that was the only way I could beat him. That is just how my family is, competitive. One example I can remember happened  recently , when I stayed at my grandfather's house because my parents were out of town. I decided to go outside to play basketball. My grandfather came outside bragging about how well he can shoot free throws and challenged me to a contest. At first I thought he was kidding, but he was serious and made 8 out of 10 shots while I made just 7 out of 10. I was shocked, I couldn’t believe my 68 year old grandfather beat me at basketball. We played two more times after he beat me and both times I won. That ' s just how our family works. You have to prove yourself before you can say that you're good. Sports are a big part of my life and my family's life. No matter what happens to me later in my life I will always have sports to entertain me and the same enthusiasm toward sports. Every day I try to become a better athlete and a better person. That is why I believe that determination, heart, and the willingness to succeed makes a better athlete.