My Experiences

My family as a social system is a significant influence on my participation in a sport, given that I have spent most of my early years with my parents and my older brother. Since my parents were not encouraged to participate in physical activities; they had high expectations for my involvement in sports. Hoffman (2009) states that parents, who encouraged their child to participate in physical activity are more likely to have an active and healthy lifestyle. My older brother was involved in sports, who then eventually became my role model. I used to watch my brother play baseball at Candlestick Park, and watching him perform inspired me to play softball. As a result, I began to play softball throughout my childhood years, starting at the age of seven, and throughout my adult years. Before starting middle school I was a shortstop and a power hitter. I played four years varsity at John O’Connell in San Francisco where I earned several awards such as, most valuable player, golden glove, and achievements for most hit home runs. My love for the game and my engagement in physical activity was just beginning due to my family's encouragement.

Softball is a community of players and coaches who had a significant effect on my physical activity experiences. My softball experiences had helped me to improve my health, confidence, and motivation (Hoffman, 2009). First, I realize that improving my health through playing softball was a vital sign of staying physically active and was one of my major goals. Secondly, my self confidence and self esteem was not all that great in high school, however, I discovered that I was good at something and that was through playing softball. Lastly, my softball coaches and teachers played a role in shaping my motivations and desires. As a competitive and skill full athlete, my coaches and teachers saw that I had potential and motivation to succeed academically in school and while also engaging in sports. According to Hoffman (2009), performing a...