In the 1990s in Painesville City, pickup basketball never instilled much confidence in me. It was clear that my "game" mainly consisted of occasional 3-point shooting and, even more rarely, being able to pester in the passing lane and contribute on defense. On a good day, or rather a very good day.

Accepting One's Place

We learn to come to terms with our position in the pecking order. The same goes for the people in our lives, such as peers, adults, and mentors. They mostly try to support us, whether we're aiming for the Olympics or just trying to make it in pickup basketball.

First Steps in Club Sports

Fast forward to the present. After covering high school sports for a long time and seeing the best and worst of people daily, this winter is particularly unique. I have become a "sports parent" for the first time as my daughter starts her first season as a club swimmer.It was an emotional moment when I saw her name on Meet Mobile as part of an invitational at just 11 years old. We start to wonder how time flies so quickly. From splashing around in water one day to going to swim school and developing a love for it, it's a remarkable journey.

First Invitational Experience

My daughter swims for a West Side club due to logistical reasons. Part of me feels a bit guilty as there were coaches on our side of town who were very welcoming when she showed an interest in swimming as a child. Her first meet was a two-day cancer awareness event in Strongsville. She was entered in backstroke and freestyle, with 50 heats on one day and 100s on the other.Unfortunately, despite being assured, she and her mother showed up on the first day only to be informed that she wasn't entered. Apologies were given, but it was frustrating. I was supposed to be there on the second day, but that didn't happen. Thankfully, she was entered and did swim this time.

First Competitive Experience

Before this, her only competitive experience was a month of practice with her club and a few "meets" at Goldfish Swim School. During her 50 free heat, she was doing well until the last 10 yards when she lost her cap and reached back for it. I had to gently remind her to swim to the wall first and then collect the cap. Now she knows.In her 50 back heat, she was disqualified. Neither she nor I know the reason for this. She has a lot of ground to cover as she is years behind her fellow 11-year-old club swimmers in terms of experience and skill refinement.

Finding Joy in Sports

But here's the amazing thing: She doesn't care at all. And as her dad, I don't either. Because that's not the important part. She has found something she loves. She wants to keep improving. She is determined to do so. And it's my job to support her.No matter what happens, whether she finishes first or 51st, that's not the main thing. The important thing is her love for it. And if success comes along with it, that's even better.When I'm at her next club meet, it will feel like a full circle. But it will also just be the beginning. Because in the end, it's the inclusion and purpose of sports that matter, not necessarily where you are selected.