Sports Were My First Teacher

Before I was a dad, a business owner, or even a serious student, I was an athlete. I grew up in a huge family—ninth of ten kids—and learned early on that if I wanted to stand out, I had to hustle. Sports became my way of doing that. Whether it was football, baseball, or later basketball, I poured everything I had into competition. And looking back, I realize sports were my first real teacher.

They taught me discipline, grit, teamwork, and how to handle pressure. They also taught me how to lose with grace and win with humility. These aren’t just game-day lessons—they’re life skills. And now, as a dad of three and someone who still suits up for men’s league basketball and lives and breathes golf, I can confidently say that sports are one of the best training grounds for real life.

Why I Want My Kids in the Game

As a parent, I want my kids to have every advantage I can give them—but not in the form of shortcuts or handouts. I want them to learn how to work hard, fail forward, and grow stronger from the struggle. Sports offer that kind of environment.

When my kids play sports, they learn how to:

• Show up on time and be accountable.
  
• Push themselves physically and mentally.
  
• Listen to feedback, even when it’s tough.
  
• Bounce back from disappointment.
  
• Be part of something bigger than themselves.
  

These are the same qualities they’ll need as adults. Whether they’re running a business, managing relationships, or simply navigating everyday challenges, the lessons from the field or court carry over. And as much as I enjoy cheering them on, I’m even more excited to see the confidence and resilience they build in the process.

Losing Is Just Part of Life

One of the biggest reasons I love sports for kids—and why I still play—is because it teaches how to lose. In a world where everyone gets a trophy and failure is often sugar-coated, sports bring you face to face with reality. You can give your best and still come up short. That’s not unfair—that’s life.

When I was in high school, we won a state championship in football one year… and lost in the finals the next. That loss hurt. But it taught me way more than the win did. It showed me how to keep my head up, how to learn from mistakes, and how to come back even hungrier.

I want my kids to experience that. Not because I want them to lose—but because I want them to understand that failure is never final unless you let it be. That mindset has carried me through tough seasons in business and life more than anything else.

The Competitive Fire Doesn’t Go Out

Even though I’m no longer chasing trophies or college scholarships, I still love to compete. I play men’s league basketball and I’m borderline obsessed with golf—not just for fun, but because I believe staying competitive keeps you sharp.

When I compete, I push myself. I stay disciplined. I stay in shape. I also get to tap into that part of me that loves the challenge and the chase. And let’s be honest—it’s fun to win. But more than anything, competition reminds me that growth never stops.

I want my kids to see that, too. I want them to know that just because you grow up, get a job, or have a family doesn’t mean you stop pushing yourself. Life is a long game. And sports help you keep your edge.

Sports Build Character Off the Field

It’s easy to think sports are just about athleticism, but what they really build is character. I’ve seen it firsthand—on the court, at work, and at home. When you commit to a team, when you push through exhaustion, when you put your ego aside and focus on improvement—those things shape who you are.

In business, I’ve had to deal with rejection, take risks, and lead people through hard times. And I’ll tell you what: nothing prepared me for that quite like my time as an athlete. I learned how to keep my cool under pressure. I learned how to lead and how to follow. And I learned how to keep going when things didn’t go my way.

Those are the same things I want to instill in my kids—and the same reason I keep showing up and competing myself.

Final Thoughts: The Game Is Never Just a Game

At the end of the day, sports aren’t just about scores or stats. They’re about shaping people. Whether it’s a little kid learning how to dribble or a grown adult grinding out a few holes of golf after a long workday, the impact is real.

For my kids, I want sports to be a place where they grow. Where they learn what they’re made of. Where they realize that effort matters more than talent, and that attitude can change everything.

And for me, I’ll keep competing—not just for the win, but for what it teaches me. Because the lessons from sports don’t end when the final whistle blows. They stay with you. They shape how you live, how you lead, and how you show up for the people around you.

That’s why I’ll always be an athlete at heart—and why I’ll always encourage my kids to get in the game.