Ally was given the Coaches’ Award for JV basketball. She was pretty proud of it and we of course were thrilled for her.
It was not the easiest season. They never won a game and lost spectacularly each game. But Ally played hard, and played most of each game. She told us at one game she motioned she needed a water break so coach subbed her out for 2 minutes. Right back in it she was.
Ally struggled with eating and her energy and missed a lot of practices. But she never missed a game. The team barely had enough players and she understood how important her being there was so she went, and played her best, even on days she had not eaten anything since breakfast.
It was great to see her demonstrate her understanding and commitment of team sports.
Ally has decided not to return to gymnastics. She misses the sport. She misses her teammates. But she has realized it’s not something she can do and participate in school sports. And she’s been away from the sport for so long she’s not convinced her body can do some of the things it once could. While it’s sad to see her stop doing something she truly loves, and it’s hard to watch her now figure out her new identity not as a gymnast. It’s also so amazing. And I’m so proud of her for being brave enough to stop and brave enough to explore new and other sports.
She recently tried out for a club volleyball team. She has her first tournament today and she is super excited about it. She told me it’s not as stressful as a gymnastics meet, because she is not being judged. The team practices Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. It’s a hood fit for her, and she is happy.
Happy. It’s so good to see her happy.
This is her today at 7:00am ready to go to the volleyball tournament. It’s an hour away and her team has 3 games before noon. It’s early, feels like 6am with the time change from Daylight Savings this morning. But she went to bed early, woke up, ate breakfast, got ready and is in really good spirits.
She humored me for this picture. No huge smile but this is her classic 15 year old expression.
Change is good.
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