In 2018-19, the Mountain East Conference began its "Dear Sport" initiative where student-athletes in the conference were encouraged to write a letter to their sport. The initiative provides the opportunity for student-athletes to express in their own words the impact that sports has played in shaping them throughout their lives. 

Click here to view all letters posted throughout the year. 

Below is a letter from Alexa Szelong, a basketball player at West Virginia Wesleyan.

Dear Basketball,

As the days of my college career near an end, I would like to take the time to reflect from the beginning. You opened my eyes to my passion when I was a little girl at the age of 7. From that point on, you have been a constant part of my life from the highs to the lows.

You gave me a purpose and a drive to be the best version of myself that I can be. You built an inseparable bond between me and my older sister. From playing up in grade school to be on her team, to the AAU tournaments, summer camps, and the unforgettable years we played together in high school. You gave me a way to make my family proud. To look up in the stands and see the smiles that I put on their faces are moments I will always cherish.

At times I disliked you when I had to make sacrifices for you like giving up time with my family and friends to moving away from home to continue my career. However, those sacrifices were beyond worth the results in the end. You introduced me to amazing people and gave me lifelong friendships and memories. You allowed me to experience some of the most exciting and rewarding moments of my life. You pushed me to my limits not only on the court but in the classroom and in life. You threw me obstacles that seemed impossible at times, but you also showed me how to run through them. I am grateful for all those tough times you handed me because they shaped me into the strong person who I am today.

You made me fearless and believe in the impossible. You taught me so many meaningful life lessons that I hope to pass on to future generations. You embedded the definition of hard work and perseverance into me. Ultimately, you defined and shaped me into the person that I am proud to be today.

Thank you basketball for the incredible opportunity that you have given me. I will miss you.

Love,
Alexa Szelong
West Virginia Wesleyan College #21