What My Athletic Background Taught Me About Marriage and Teamwork
As a 30-year-old wife, mom, and former college athlete, I often find myself reflecting on how my athletic background has shaped the way I approach life. Marriage, much like sports, is all about teamwork, grit, and trusting others. My husband, Carlos, and I both share this perspective, having grown up playing sports and competing as college athletes—me in softball and him in baseball. Together, we’ve discovered that the lessons we learned on the field have profoundly influenced our marriage.
Growing Up with Sports: A Foundation for Teamwork
Before I even held a softball in my hands, I was running around fields, courts, and tracks, trying just about every sport imaginable. Carlos had a similar upbringing, and we both credit our diverse athletic experiences with teaching us about teamwork and perseverance. From learning how to communicate effectively with teammates to understanding the value of a good coach, sports prepared us for life’s bigger challenges.
Marriage is a team sport, and much like any game, it requires strategy, effort, and a shared goal. Whether it’s managing our home, raising our daughter Rae, or tackling life’s curveballs, we rely on the skills we developed in sports to keep our marriage strong.
Grit: The Unseen Key to a Strong Marriage
In sports, grit is what separates good athletes from great ones. It’s the ability to push through discomfort, stay focused under pressure, and remain committed even when the odds aren’t in your favor. As a wife and mom, I’ve realized that grit is just as essential off the field as it is on it.
Marriage isn’t always easy. There are times when life throws you challenges—financial stress, parenting struggles, or even just the day-to-day grind of balancing work and family. In challenging times, I’ve drawn on the resilience I developed as an athlete. Softball showed me how to stay focused and determined under pressure, a mindset that has proven invaluable in navigating the tougher days of marriage..
Carlos, too, brings his own version of grit to our relationship. He’s the steady presence when things get chaotic, the calming voice when emotions run high. Together, we’ve learned that grit isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about showing up for each other, day after day, no matter what.
Trusting Your Teammate: A Lesson from the Field
One of the most important lessons I learned from playing softball is that I can’t do it alone. I had to rely on my teammates to back me up. Trusting others wasn’t just a luxury; it was a necessity.
In marriage, this lesson is just as relevant. Carlos and I approach our relationship as equals, each bringing our own strengths to the table. There’s a level of trust between us that mirrors the trust I had with my softball teammates. Whether it’s dividing household responsibilities or supporting each other’s goals, we’ve learned to lean on one another.
For instance, when I launched my virtual assistant business, Freely Font, Carlos was my biggest cheerleader. He believed in my vision and picked up extra responsibilities at home so I could focus on growing my business. In turn, I’ve supported him during his career transitions, trusting his ability to make the best decisions for our family.
Communication: The Glue That Holds It All Together
Sports also taught me the importance of clear communication. On the field, miscommunication can lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. In marriage, it’s no different.
Carlos and I make it a point to communicate openly and honestly. We’ve learned to express our needs, set boundaries, and discuss our goals. Just like in sports, we’ve had to work on this skill over time. Early in our marriage, we sometimes struggled to get on the same page, but through practice and patience, we’ve become better at understanding each other.
We’ve also found that humor and playfulness—traits we both developed through sports—help keep our communication light and positive. Whether we’re strategizing about the week’s schedule or hashing out bigger decisions, we try to approach conversations with kindness and a sense of teamwork.
Balancing Roles: A Team Effort
One of the most significant challenges we’ve faced as a married couple is balancing our roles as partners, parents, and individuals. Much like in sports, where each player has a specific role, we’ve learned to divide responsibilities based on our strengths.
As a mom and full-time athletic trainer, I often juggle a packed schedule. Carlos, who’s equally busy, steps up in ways that make our lives run smoothly. He’s the master of bedtime routines with Rae, while I handle meal prep and planning. By working together and playing to our strengths, we’ve created a partnership that feels balanced and fair.
Celebrating Wins—Big and Small
Another lesson sports taught us is the importance of celebrating victories, no matter how small. In softball, every run scored or play executed was a reason to cheer. In marriage, we’ve carried that same mentality into our relationship.
From celebrating career milestones to acknowledging the little things (like successfully getting Rae to eat her vegetables), we make it a point to appreciate each other’s efforts. These moments of celebration remind us why we’re on the same team and keep our bond strong.
Final Thoughts: Marriage as a Lifelong Game
Being a wife and mom has taught me that marriage is less like a sprint and more like a marathon. It’s a lifelong game that requires endurance, strategy, and above all, teamwork. Carlos and I often joke that our athletic backgrounds gave us a head start in understanding how to be good teammates, but the truth is, we’re always learning and growing.
For anyone navigating the challenges of marriage, I encourage you to think of your relationship as a team sport. Lean on each other, communicate openly, and don’t be afraid to celebrate your wins. And remember: just like in sports, the best teams are the ones that work together, trust each other, and never give up—no matter what the scoreboard says.