Proud Mama

Today, for the very first time this season, Princess E scored a basket during the game. Actually, she scored two. The way the first one unfolded really impressed me. She plays on a team with girls in 2nd through 7th grade, and she is the smallest player on her team. Week after week, she has tried to get the ball. She is an excellent dribbler, and a great team player; but she is so much littler than the other girls, especially the older ones.

Anyway, during the fifth period of the game, she had the ball one more time. She threw it toward the hoop, and no one on the other team tried to stop her. She missed. The tallest girl on the opposing team caught the rebound. Instead of taking off with it, she tossed it right back to my girl, and she had another chance. Both teams were cheering her on. She missed again, and the cycle repeated. On her fourth try, she finally made the basket. Everyone cheered for her...both teams on the court and the parents in the stands. Finally, she had her basket! She went on to make another basket later in the game, this time as part of normal play.

What impressed me most was the Christ-like behavior of the opposing team. They clearly could have blocked her attempt to shoot or taken the rebound and run. They didn't. They set aside *winning* points for themselves to allow a smaller player a chance to shine. What a gift! I am so proud of all the girls for allowing that moment. I am pround of Princess E, too. Even though she plays with (and against) girls who are older and taller, she never gives up. She keeps trying and gives it her best effort. This is how children's sports should be played.

It was a wonderful game!