SPORTS September 14, 2009 Issue

FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM

KATIE MARTIN

EVER SINCE HIGH SCHOOL I've enjoyed playing all kinds of sports, particularly team sports—basketball, volleyball, soft-ball, swimming, track, and more recently, team tennis. I love the feeling of being part of a group of athletes working together to perform and accomplish a goal. Being part of a team can bring with it a greater sense of confidence, and a desire to perform well not just for yourself but for the team as a whole.

One of the things I enjoy most about having teammates is being able to work together to improve my own level of play, and at the same time strategize and counter our opponent's strategy. Whether you pause to regroup on the court, or just give an encouraging fist pump after a good play, the communicátion between teammates can be inspiring and energizing.

Through the years, as I've competed in different sports, I've found there's another kind of "teammate"—one who's always with me wherever I am—and that's God, the spiritual source of athletic ability and talent. When I mentally turn to Him as the one perfect Principle, Mind, and Soul, I find the assurance, creative ideas, and fitness to carry on with whatever sport I'm playing.