Exploring the Inspiration Behind Playing Sports By: Malik Webster

Every athlete has a story. For some, the love for their sport begins in their neighborhood, with friends or family. For others, it begins with a single moment—an inspiring figure, a game on television, or even a post on social media. The spark that starts a sports journey can shape not only how someone plays, but also who they become. Studies have shown that parents, siblings, and media influences play a significant role in inspiring young people to participate in sports. Research published on PubMed explains that adolescents from families with strong support systems are more likely to join extracurricular sports. Exposure to athletes in media can also inspire youth, especially when they see players who look like them breaking barriers.

For senior lacrosse player Nile Herrera, that inspiration  came from social media. “I think I saw a lacrosse game on TikTok,” Herrera said. “I saw the Drip King on TikTok and I was like, I need to try it.” Herrera first began playing in 2022 after being inspired by the energy and skill he saw online. Before lacrosse, Herrera had played football but did not feel as passionate about it. “When I found a sport that I actually really enjoyed, it was just like, you know, you are enjoying it,” he said. “It is physical and technical at the same time.” Herrera also shared that attending a box lacrosse game inspired him to commit to the sport. “It was really aggressive, and I was like, yeah, that first game I watched, I was like, yeah, I gotta play that.”

For senior baseball player Jayden Bivins, inspiration came from proving himself. “I play a very white dominated sport, so when I started out, you know, as a Black kid on the team, it was a little rough,” Bivins said. “But I just did it. I was fast. So I had to do what I was good at.” His early challenges motivated him to improve and keep pushing forward.Bivins also shared how watching athletes who looked like him helped him stay inspired especially- in his words: “When I see all these Black people on TV being where I want to be in life…”. His dream is to play in the MLB and support his family.

Senior basketball player Nicholas Panu found his spark and love for basketball in faith and family. “Honestly, I feel like it was a gift from God,” Panu said. “I had no other interest besides basketball.” His family helped him understand the importance of teamwork early on. “It is not a one-man game,” he explained. “It takes everybody to win.”Panu shared that basketball gave him an outlet when life felt overwhelming. “It takes my mind off things,” he said. “It is like working on the thing that I love.” That passion shaped his identity both on and off the court. “It is about self-improvement and self-independence,” he said.

I Whether through family encouragement, media influence, or personal drive, the spark that inspires students to pick up a ball or a stick is powerful. It shapes not only athletic skill but also confidence, resilience, and community. For Nile Herrera, Jayden Bivins, and Nicholas Panu, that spark has become more than a hobby. It is a source of motivation, strength, and identity.