By Natasha ’23
When I went on a shadow day at Harvard-Westlake, so many people told me that doing sports would be the sure way to make friends. “There’s no bond stronger than that of a team,” they said. “You’ll be surprised!”
As someone who could barely do a push-up, I had some doubts about the “welcoming world” of high school sports. I mean, sports have a reputation for being pretty competitive, and my complete lack of coordination probably wouldn’t put any team in the big leagues. But HW has a sport for everyone, and mine was cross-country.
I started waking up at 6 am to run, which was big considering that I usually get up at 2 pm when left to my own devices. I went from watching 4 seasons of Netflix to running 25 miles a week, which I would’ve been lucky to run in a month. Even though running is (as the coaches say) the one sport that’s a “basic human instinct,” I would come home feeling sore after every practice. I slowly made friends with the people on the team, bonding over thet hard workouts and running experience.
The meets were surprisingly fun. There’s something amazing about having your team cheer for you when you cross the finish line, and immediately being able to eat some of the team stash of granola bars after. The food at the end was my main motivation during the race, if I’m being honest. And the long bus rides back to campus were full of laughter, and sometimes sleep (depending on how late the meets were).
Running as a sport doesn’t just enhance one’s physical abilities, but mental as well. To be faster than before, to encourage yourself to not walk even during difficult parts of a race. Cross-country is a community of people constantly encouraging and pushing each other to be better.
When my parents forced me to choose cross country instead of fencing, I had no idea about the memories I would make on the team. If it wasn’t for cross country, I don’t think I would have the amazing friends that I have. I’ve learned to love running, rather than see it as a mandatory thing in PE classes.
I can’t imagine my school experience without cross-country. Looking back, I can understand why so many people stressed the importance of sports during my shadow day, as I’m now doing the same. Whether you’re a baseball player, love diving, live on the soccer field, or haven’t found your sport yet, there’s a community waiting for you at HW.
