I'm 17 and a student-athlete. By age 13, 73% of kids drop out of sports –and I know why.
I've ridden the bench so the coach's klutzy kid could play and I've been a star. I've struck out with the bases loaded in the last inning and I've won a homerun derby. I've missed free throws that would have won a basketball game and pitched a two-hit shutout against one of the best teams in the country. I've gotten home after practice at 9:30 and had to face 4 hours of homework. I've been abandoned by jealous friends. I've been cheered for my accomplishments and cursed out by coaches. Kids may be inexperienced in sports and life, but we're not stupid.
Read PLAYING TIME: WHAT KIDS REALLY THINK ABOUT KIDS' SPORTS to play better, play longer and smile more.