Ability to Work Well with Others. Through athletic team membership, most athletes have experience in working toward attaining group goals. Athletics teaches that it is sometimes necessary to submerge one's ego and personal goals into the goals of the organization. Athlets develop the ability to concentrate their energies and attention over an extended period of time to block out distractions while they proceed toward their goals. The competitive spirit is lifeblood of the athletic experience.
Athletes gain experience in the rigors of winning and losing.
They look forward to the opportunity to fight more battles, test their abilities, and risk their self-esteem against tough opposition. Athletes are continually in situations where they must believe in their own power to perform effectively under pressure. The ability to approach tough performance situations with the belief that they will do well is crucial. Athletics is often characterized by long and hard work toward distant rewards. Athletics teaches intensity of effort and the belief that sufficient preparation and determination will eventually pay off.