Today I’m so incredibly proud of my brother that I have to share this with the world:
Today March 10th, 2014, my brother had the privilege of meeting President Obama. Justin is a junior studying Sociology at Duke University. He plays on the men’s lacrosse team and last spring they walked away from the season with the NCAA Division I Championship title. President Obama invited his team over to congratulate their accomplishment.
Justin (left) and his two teammates after receiving their rings.
The special thing about college sports is that the athletes aren’t professional, but instead they are full-time students. Student-athletes. School comes first in that name for a reason. They don’t have contracts or endorsements, yet they wake up early, put in the hours and hard work purely for the love of the sport and team. They juggle academics and athletics like champions, literally. It’s a special drive that college athletes have, unlike others, and for these champions today that drive got them to the White House. If this isn’t a perfect real-life example of empowerment through sport, then I’m not sure what is. Let’s take a look back and see how far sport has gotten my brother and his teammates, amongst the other NCAA Champions who were at the White House today as well.
Around age 3, my dad put a lacrosse stick in Justin’s hand. Over the years, he experimented with soccer balls, basketballs, swimming pools, and skis. Along this journey, he made memories and friends that are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Most importantly, he learned confidence, how to work within a team, and the joy of achieving a goal. Through age 18, he played basketball, lacrosse, and football year-round on his middle school and high school teams. Justin excelled in school due to his learned commitment to hard work and dedication to success.
His early exposure to sports taught him how to be a teammate, a better sister to me, and a leader. His hard work on the field and in the classroom turned the head of Duke University men’s lacrosse coach John Danowski, amongst other top program coaches. These coaches aren’t just looking for great players, they are looking for great people. A college athlete isn’t just about sports, but about representing the school and the program, reflecting the principles on which the school is based and growing with the experience.
Just about three years later, today, he is shaking hands with the President of the United States. I’m not going to go as far-fetched to say that sports are the only thing that brought Justin to this point in time, but I know for sure he would not be the man he is today without sports, and he certainly would not be meeting the President.
Duke celebrates semi-final win over Cornell in 2013 before going on to win a national championship 2 days later.
How did winning a national championship get him here?
In his address to the champions, President Obama said it is more than just winning, but learning how to handle adversity and overcome obstacles. President Obama invited multiple NCAA Championship teams over to celebrate their remarkable commitments, achievments, and the example they have set for others. He particularly commended the women’s athletes for paving the way for his daughters and nieces, setting an example that women can compete on the same caliber as men, on all levels.
“Our country needs young people like you to keep giving your best and to keep bringing out the best in those around you. That’s how we keep making progress and moving forward, and that’s why we’re all looking forward to seeing what all of you accomplish in the years ahead,” Obama said.
“A title that means not just performing your best when the spotlight’s on and the game is underway, but also pushing yourself even harder when no one is watching.”
The champion spirit: not just the trophies, but the drive and teamwork that put them there.
“At their best, college sports teaches us about giving back to our communities… That’s the kind of ethic that shows this is not just about winning, but it’s about learning how to lift other people up. That’s what makes a true champion, and will serve you well no matter what path you choose”
In summary, I’m extremely proud of my brother’s accomplishments, and happy to see how far he has come and eager to see where he is going. Not only him, but his entire team and all college athletes, for that matter, are role models to all for their commitment to sports and academics. Barely scratching the surface of the insurmountable power of sports to empower individuals and communities, this post sums up the story behind one of my biggest inspiration.
SPORT FOR CHANGE 