Value of this blog/my personal experience/accountability

Each post in this blog will give you a quality I and four other former student-athletes acquired during our tenures at school. The purpose of these accounts is to give student-athletes some perspective and guidance as to what they will learn during their time as a college athlete. 

College can be the most exciting time and the most challenging time for a student, and the college experience can be exponentially more exciting and difficult when you are also assigned the role of athlete. It is important, especially during the difficult times, to really distinguish and internalize the attributes you are gaining during this wonderful experience. 

Each athlete should be cognizant of what they learn both on and off the field and constantly be adding to what I call your "toolbox." You will soon realize that each of these characteristics travel with you everywhere and serve as tools for future triumphs and tribulations you encounter.  I hope for nothing else you gain awareness and a small sense of clarity each time you recognize one of these qualities. 

My experience as a student-athlete was a positive one. As a former pitcher on the George Mason University baseball team I had a lot of fun with the teammates and friends that I gained in my four years. It was through these teammates/friends that I gained a sense of accountability. 

My definition of accountability as a student-athlete is, "the responsibility and obligation to put forth your best effort for yourself and your teammates." When other people are relying on you, such as getting in shape for the upcoming season, it is important to prepare yourself so you are in the best possible position to contribute for your team. In a sense, accountability is honoring your commitments to yourself and others.

Accountability carries over to whatever endeavors you have in the future. Whether it be a job or your family, a person will never be in a position where they are not accountable for someone else.  Every high school athlete signs a letter of "commitment" to the school they wish to attend. Each team signed the same letter stating that they are accountable for their actions on and off the field. 

Moving forward, remember that you always represent someone else in anything you do. Hold yourself accountable for others and others will hold themselves accountable for you.