“Notes From the Field” with Erin Matson on Chapelboro.com is proudly presented by Chapel Hill Tire.
Erin Matson is a Tar Heel, world-class athlete, team player and champion. Here, in “Notes From the Field,” she’ll be sharing some of her thoughts in an ongoing series set to cover anything and everything on her mind. You can find the full series so far here, on Chapelboro.
Merriam-Webster is so bland.
Now, obviously it’s their job to be as straightforward as possible. But talk about zero personality! Their definition of “teammate” is as follows: “a fellow member of a team.”
Wow! Groundbreaking.
What about literally everything else that goes into being a teammate?!
I’ve been playing field hockey for 16 years on numerous club, middle school, high school, USA, and college teams. Along with the random showcases, summer camps, and events sprinkled in there where you finally learn all of your teammates’ names just in time for the last day. And this past week, the 2022-23 USA Women’s National Field Hockey Team was announced, and it got me thinking.
Prior to writing this blog, I tried to go back and track at least the number of USA and UNC teammates I’ve had. I gave up for the sake of my sanity.
Take a moment and try to realize how many teammates you’ve had throughout your life. (*pause for thinking*) I bet most of you either raised one or both eyebrows, said “hmm” in your own mind, or did a subtle head tilt.
How is it such a unique and influential part of our lives can become so mundane? Maybe it’s the monotonous act of reading through another showcase roster. Or the classic mindset of “things come and go” and so do people. What about all of us needing to stop, think, and appreciate moments just a little bit more?
Either way, there is no doubt you have those special groups you will constantly think back to, stay in touch with and forever be proud to have been a part of.
Chances are, those other groups or individuals you think you “don’t remember” or “didn’t have an impact on your journey”, actually did.
Who taught you patience? Loyalty? Trust?
Who was there every time you needed a laugh, a hug, or a smile?
Who made you feel that they, no matter what, had your six covered?
How many times did you face challenges together?
Were there any that you came out stronger from because of them?
Who drug you out of bed on a day you were going to waste away?
What about the rainy, “let’s binge Netflix” days you spent just enjoying each other’s company?
Who do you love like family?
Who made you feel true empowerment, confidence … bravery?
Would you be who you are without them?
I believe every teammate of ours has had an impact on our life in one way or another. For most of them, it’s a lot more significant than him or her just being a “good player.”
Our teammates — on the field and in life — are there to lift us up. To challenge us and motivate us to be our best selves. To teach us lessons like selflessness, leadership, and courage. They’re there to show us we can push ourselves further than we think. That you are always part of something bigger than yourself. And that records are set to be broken … together.
Sport is an avenue for us to learn and apply lessons we cannot find in other aspects of life. But the teams you have been and will continue to be a part of are not restricted to the playing field.
You wouldn’t be where you are today without the love, support, and guidance people have given you throughout your life – parents, friends, partners, etc. Without the love, support, and guidance your teammates have given you throughout your life.
Say, “thank you,” to those who have shown you the true meaning of community. Don’t underestimate the effects they have had and will have on your journey. And, most importantly, take pride in your actions every day so that you are someone your teammates lean on, believe in, and look up to.
Just like you need them, they need you.
So let’s try that again. “Hey Siri, what’s the definition of a teammate?” Nope … Still doesn’t do it justice.
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