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 Emily Boothe, a basketball student-athlete at Concord.
Dear Basketball,
Wow, what a ride! How is it already over? It seems like yesterday that I was in the gym with my grandpa, still learning how to shoot. You’ve been there through it all, teaching me that success comes through failure and that failure is only an opportunity to grow. You have given me the affirmation that hard work really does pay off in the end. I never would have made it here without the countless hours spent in the gym shooting or running another down and back because the first was too slow.
You have given me teammates that became family, and these are relationships that I will cherish forever. I will keep these lessons learned close to me for the rest of my life. They have helped me become the best version of myself. When I say that I wouldn’t be who I am today without you, I mean it.
You will always have a piece of my heart, as I remember the little girl who picked up a ball and never looked back. The split fingers and shin splints are more than worth the amount of satisfaction you have given me and the abilities the Lord has blessed me with. I am forever grateful for each moment I have spent with you.
And yes, I know, I will miss 100% of the shots I don’t take.
Thank you!
Emily Boothe #32
Concord University