Playing sports goes far beyond just what happens on the field. It has taught me so many things not only on the field but also off. On the field, I have learned to work harder, be competitive, push myself, and always want to be better. Even when practices get hard or my legs get tired, I have to keep pushing through so that I may be the best I can be. Mediocre is never good enough for me because I know that I can always get better. Playing soccer has made me want to push myself to always get better at what I do. Whether it is school or soccer, I always have the desire to excel. After a hard practice where I have worked hard and gave it all I got, I feel great. But, after a practice where I just go through the motions, I feel like I haven’t done enough. I have learned discipline in the times where it gets tough. When my friends are out having fun, but I have a game the next morning. I stay home so that I may be the best athlete I can be. Although I enjoy hanging out with friends, the feeling I get while competing on the soccer field surpasses the fun I have hanging out with friends. In the end, sports have influenced me in many ways both on and off the field.