The context of the following conversation is Aubrey practiced a lot, tried out for the team and made the squad.:
Aubrey says I made the basketball team today..
The friend responds That's awesome. You really worked hard..
Aubrey responds I practiced most of my summer. Every day of the week for at least 4 hours..
The friend responds You really earned that spot on the squad..
Aubrey responds Thank you for saying so. It was a lot of work..
The friend responds But the hard work paid off..