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Being a Positive Athlete

As a high school athlete you have a big role. You may not think it, but you have lots of people watching you
and some are looking up to you. You can choose to be a positive influence on younger athletes looking up
to you, or you can choose to have a negative attitude and influence those same young athletes in a negative
way. You have a name on the front of your jersey that you are representing. Members of that community in
which you represent are watching you. You can choose to represent them in a positive way or in a negative
one. You have a name on the back of the jersey that you are representing as well. You can choose to rep-
resent your name and family in a positive way or in a negative one.

The moral of this story is simple. When you play a sport it’s important that you are positive. You don’t
just represent yourself; you represent your team, coaches, family, and entire community. And you have the
chance to positively influence a younger athlete that may look up to you. This will also help you later in life as
an employee or employer. Nobody wants to hire a negative person or work for a negative person.

So, what are some positive attributes that you can display when playing a sport? How about encouraging
your teammates, giving 100% effort for your coaches, controlling your emotions, and staying eligible. These
are just a few attributes to positively impact your team. Some negative things you want to stay away from
include blaming others (refs, coaches, teammates), being lazy, going half speed, poor attitude, etc.

Being positive is so important with being a good teammate. Positivity and negativity is contagious, so
decide which kind of team you want to be a part of and be the leader in making your team as positive as
possible. Those are the teams that are going to go the distance and win games. Be a good role model for oth-
ers and choose positive. You will not only make yourself proud, but your team, family, and community will be
proud too.
Jon Ligrow
Ligrow’s 24 Hr Fitness and Athletic Performance Center
ISSA Certified Trainer
ISSA Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach

KELLY@SPORTSFINESTMAGAZINE.COM 989 545 0735 SPORTSFINESTMAGAZINE.COM FEB 2020 SPORTS FINEST MAGAZINE • 33