Schools in New Zealand offer children many opportunities to try various sports and instruments. Our eldest took up basketball—something she'd never tried before. She registered with a friend, got her uniform, and we bought a headband and ball at Rebel Sports. One practice per week, and later, official games in the Harbour League.
She barely knew the rules. Her teammates had only played netball. The team had no coach. After some thought, my husband took on the role.
Every Tuesday morning, they practiced for 30 minutes before class. With kids from various cultural backgrounds, building teamwork wasn't easy. But gradually, these children who could barely dribble began to look like players. Games followed—mostly played at nearby school courts. They lost often at first, but wins became more frequent.
The day our eldest scored her first goal, my husband said he'd never forget her throwing her arms up in triumph. I watched later, through video.
On the final day, her team received medals. Both my daughter and husband said they were done with basketball. Yet the glory still hangs by her bedside.
