The Importance of Being There

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” right? Well, a huge part of being a member of a successful team and working together is being there for your teammates no matter what setback may come.  A major factor in keeping a team going is the support and motivation each member gives to one another.  Of course there are several important lessons we all learn from being on a team, but to me, this is one lesson that is so vital to an outstanding team. It is one that can be forgotten when we get wrapped up in everything else going on in our lives. 

Haydenettes celebrated great program debuts at the Boston Synchro Classic

No season can be described as “easy.”  Some are filled with more challenges than others and some are more successful than others.  Although we ultimately strive for the medals and trophies and spend our time, money, and energy working for them, there is something we can always take away from the time spent with our team.  It is knowing that our teammates were the ones who got us through the season’s ups and downs despite the outcomes at competitions. They are the people who keep us going during the tough times because they are the ones who can always have our trust and are able to make us feel better with some words of encouragement, smiles, and a hug.  

Teammates Jordan, Samm, &

me after our 1st competition with the Haydenettes

This past week at the French Cup was a very successful one for the Haydenettes, but not before going through a fair share of setbacks with many injuries, severe illnesses, major program changes, etc that have come our way this season.  Overcoming these obstacles has only made us stronger and more prepared than we would have ever been without them, as I am sure they do for every team that face similar setbacks.  As my fellow DREAMmate, Lindsey Maynard, talks about in her last blog post, overcoming these setbacks is part of any sport. They are just easier to get through with the support of your teammates.  It is so cliché to say, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” but the truth to that statement is incredible. It can also be hard to believe sometimes.  

Your teammates are the people that will be in your life for a long time and hopefully will still remain equally important to you after you retire as a competitive skater.  I am sure that we will all face many more setbacks, but knowing that my teammates have my back gives me peace of mind and allows me to enjoy the sport even more than I already do.  Appreciate and be thankful for your amazing teammates.  You wouldn't be there with them if you didn't love what you do, and all of the dedicated coaches who also love the sport would not put you on their team if they didn't believe in you one hundred percent. Be there for yourselves and for your teammates always.

Haydenettes at the Eiffel Tower on our way back to the USA after competing at the French Cup.  

On a quick side note, I would like to congratulate all those who qualified for the U.S.Synchronized Skating Championships over the last few weeks and wish the best of luck to those who are competing at the New England Challenge Cup for the Junior World Team selection. 

See you all soon!

          

Sharon