The Importance of Sports in my Life
Skiing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in California, my family and I took trips to Mammoth Mountain. Those early memories laid the foundation for my love of the sport. I looked forward to ski school days, making new friends up on the mountain, and finishing the day with a few runs alongside my parents.
When we moved to the East Coast, we stayed loyal to the West Coast slopes, traveling to Deer Valley in Utah and Vail in Colorado. No matter where life has taken us, skiing has remained a consistent part of my life.
Sports have always played a big role in my life, but skiing stands out because it’s the one I have returned to year after year. I am lucky to get out on the slopes once a year, and every time I put on my skis, it feels like I never left.
I love the feeling of adventure and challenge that comes with skiing down the slopes, surrounded by beautiful views. Even more importantly, skiing has been a way to bond with my family and create memories. I know that skiing will continue to be a part of my life for many years to come.
Golf has always been a big part of my life because it is something that my whole family enjoys. It is more than just a sport for us, it is how we spend time together. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to play at amazing golf courses, such as Osprey Point in Kiawah Island, SC. Whether we are playing nine holes or hitting the driving range, it is always time well spent.
Golf is also a tie to my Scottish heritage, which makes it even more meaningful. My dad, who is originally from Scotland, is a very talented golfer. He taught me how to play when I was young. At the time, I did not realize how lucky I was to learn the basics and practice my swing. Now, I really appreciate these moments, especially since golf has become more trendy among my age group. A lot of my friends are just picking it up, and I am grateful that I already have a solid foundation thanks to my dad. He is a greater golfer, and learning from him not only gave me skills, but a real respect for the game.
My love for hockey started long before I understood the rules of the game.
Growing up, I spent countless hours at the ice rink, where I was a competitive figure skater while my brother played ice hockey on the rink across the building. Even after I stopped skating, I stayed connected to the rink by cheering on my brother. While living in Southern California, my family and I would go to LA Kings games, and when we later moved to Northern Virginia, we attended numerous Washington Capitals games.
I have always loved team sports, I played travel soccer for over ten years, so it was easy for me to appreciate the NHL. My childhood memories at the rink supporting my brother, combined with my love for team sports, made me a hockey fan for life.
While I enjoy watching many teams, the Capitals are my favorite. Supporting them has become a family tradition too, we celebrate Thanksgiving and New Year's by going to Caps games together.
Miracle by Disney is my favorite movie. It is based on a true story of what I believe is one of the most incredible moments in sports history: the U.S. men's hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The movie’s powerful messages about perseverance, teamwork, and belief in something greater than yourself inspires me every time I watch it. I also love how patriotic the story is because it shows how impactful sports can be to unite a country during challenging times.
