I came into this world approximately 90 minutes after my mom wrapped up a game as a collegiate point guard in basketball. Yeah, you read that right — she was a bona fide All-American, and I’ll let you in on a little secret: I never managed to beat her in a one-on-one matchup. It’s safe to say that competition runs in my blood. Growing up, it was all about sports, and I’ve always had a deep appreciation for it.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself as an avid supporter of youth sports and a super proud uncle. Recently, I had the incredible privilege of attending my niece’s junior varsity volleyball game. Let me tell you, it was a real nail-biter! Both teams showcased some remarkable skills and a genuine passion for the sport. When the dust settled, my niece’s team emerged victorious, and you can bet I was the loudest in the stands, cheering with all my might and brimming with pride. Moments like these remind you of the sheer beauty of youthful competition.

Now, here’s the kicker. It had been well over a decade since my youngest daughter played her last game, so being back in the thick of it brought back a flood of those cherished memories. But here’s where things took a surprising turn. As the final whistle blew and the game concluded, I couldn’t help but notice something missing — a tradition that’s always been near and dear to my heart: the post-game handshake.

You see, where I’m from in East Texas, values run deep, and they always come first. It’s something I’ve grown to appreciate more and more as I’ve gotten older. That’s why what happened next hit me so hard. Instead of the traditional post-game handshake, the teams decided to skip it altogether. To be honest, I was stunned. I mean, I initially thought the coach would step in and rally the troops for this age-old sign of respect and sportsmanship. After all, that’s how it’s done, right? Well, not this time. It turned out that the opposing team, understandably disappointed with their loss, just wasn’t in the mood for any post-game ceremony. To make matters more surprising, I later found out that their coach had actively encouraged them to skip the handshake.

This revelation got me thinking about the importance of sportsmanship in today’s hyper-competitive world. How are we ever going to nurture unity and respect if we keep witnessing this kind of behavior? You see, I’m no stranger to competition; I was a high school athlete myself, and I’ve faced some tough competition in life. But one thing I’ve always held dear is that good sportsmanship should always take precedence over winning at all costs.

So, to all you parents, coaches, and mentors out there, I want to leave you with this heartfelt plea: Let’s remember the bigger lessons that sports can teach our young athletes. It’s fantastic to fuel their competitive spirit and push them to be the best they can be. But it’s equally crucial to instill in them the values of integrity, respect, and sportsmanship. Because, whether it’s in sports or life, we all encounter losses, and how we handle those moments defines our character.

So, encourage your kids, your student-athletes, and your mentees to not just be great athletes but also outstanding individuals on and off the field. Teach them that sometimes, they’ll taste defeat, and when they do, it should be with grace and class. In this vast and interconnected world, you never know when that opponent from one day might become your teammate or ally on another.

You know, when I first met my wife, she couldn’t have been less interested in sports. It was like a foreign language to her. But over time, with me patiently explaining the ins and outs of trades, contracts, and even the reason why everyone in the organization gets a championship ring when the team wins, she’s developed a whole new appreciation for it. It’s been incredible to see her evolve in her understanding of sports, and it goes to show that sports have a unique way of connecting people and imparting valuable life lessons.

So, to wrap it all up, let’s remember that sports, when done right, can teach us some of life’s most valuable lessons, both the good and the bad. And in the end, the lessons learned from a simple handshake, a friendly nod, or a word of encouragement after a loss can be just as precious as the euphoria of victory. So, let’s all strive to uphold the timeless tradition of sportsmanship, because it’s through these gestures of respect that we pave the way for a brighter, more unified future, both in the world of sports and beyond. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the bonds we create and the values we pass on to the next generation.