eye.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We all know someone who has that little extra sparkle in their eye. Spirit League athlete Austin is one of those people. Not only does he have a beaming smile for everyone but he is happy to sit and chat about life; sharing his joy with others around him. We thought you might want to meet Austin as he shares what it’s like to play in Spirit League.

How long have you played with Spirit League? I have been playing in the Spirit League for 2 years.

What did it feel like to play with Spirit League for the first time? I remember when I started that I was really nervous. Soccer was my first sport and it was scary at first because I didn’t know anyone but then after I went to the first game, I knew it was ok. I had really nice coaches and the kids were nice, too.

How does it feel now? Now I don’t get nervous anymore. I get excited to find out who will be on my team and it makes me happy.

What is your favorite sport and why? My favorite sport is basketball. I love everything about basketball, especially scoring baskets. I think it’s my favorite sport because I play it a lot at school and with my Mom and Dad, too. It’s a fun sport and Spirit League makes it very fun, too.

Do you have a favorite memory of playing with the League? I have a lot of favorite memories but I think playing with my basketball team at the home of Jamie Foxx was the most memorable. I had so much fun and it was a great day.

What advice would you give a new athlete starting for the first time? I would tell a new athlete to not be scared when they start, be sure to ask questions to the coaches and mentors if they need anything or if they feel nervous and the most important thing is to remember to have fun and don’t give up. Spirit League is a good place to have fun.

Anything else you would like to share? I would like to say that Spirit League has been so much fun for me and I feel happy when I come to play with my team. I also learn a lot from coming to practice before our games. I think that learning new skills has helped me feel better about playing sports at school. I play basketball at recess and lunch with kids from my class every day and it’s awesome.

Thanks, Austin, for your incredible spirit and enthusiasm. You are a great example to so many. Keep up the good work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]