I have always wanted to take part in a team sport where teammates would cheer for each other, motivate each other, depend on each other. Since badminton is not considered a team sport,the next resort will be the sport I’m second best at – basketball.
Before that, never have I imagined that I would actually have the chance to play in real basketball matches at all.
Little did I know that the decision to write my name on the paper to recruit new members for the 4th Residential College basketball team will make my dreams come true.
Running on the court, defending opponents, aiming and shooting, these on court actions became an addiction for me, and I crave for more every year.
But sadly, everything has to come to an end. Good days have come and gone. But the memories of the years I was in the 4th basketball team will always be etched in my brain.
2008/2009 - First year
Seniors were looking and asking around for people to join the college girls’ basketball team.
As a freshman eager to join activities, I registered myself as part of the team, both as a hobby and wanting to test my skills.
The team that year consists of more seniors than juniors.
Practice after practice, we learnt how to defend, plans to attack, helping your teammates, all these serve as new information to me, and it certainly was rather difficult to digest.
My role in the team that year was just as a substitute point guard, following seniors’ instructions and advice just like every other junior would do.
I was glad to be in that role, learning everything I could and enjoying the game.
The seniors were very helpful, guiding us along and telling us our mistakes.
It was an enjoyable year in the team.
However, in the competition, we fought but we lost. Coach was rather frustrated with our performance I think. But it certainly added to my experience and prepared me for a more important role the next year.
2009/2010 – Second year
Responsibilities come with experience.
As most seniors have graduated or decided not to play for the team anymore, me and Sher Lynn had to take up the responsibility to search for talents and gather a new team for the new term.
As a senior, my role in the team has completely reversed compared to the first year.
From being a follower, I had to learn to lead as a captain and motivate the team.
This made me change to a more proactive role by initiating discussions, giving words of encouragement,and leading practices.
I certainly learnt and enjoyed a lot during this stint.
And thanks a lot to my teammates as well. You girls gave me plenty of cooperation and help in managing the team.
Not forgetting Sher Lynn, who managed the team and practice sessions very well too. Thanks!
Also a very big thank you to Chiu Hong and Yee Yuan for bringing along your talent and skills into the team. Without the both of you, our team will have been dead meat to the other teams.
This year, we managed to go one step further into the quarterfinals.
Even though it was the luck of the draw, I still consider it an achievement.
An achievement in the sense that the team learnt something, enjoyed the practice sessions, scored some baskets, and had a good time!
2010/2011 - Third year
Letting go is part and parcel of life.
Being a final year senior, the baton has to be passed on to the younger ones.
After much persuasion and forcing, Chiu Hong finally accepted the position as team manager and captain.
I have to give maximum credit to her for being the most efficient, effective, and responsible manager ever!
Her enthusiasm for the team is unbelievable and she makes sure she does her job to the very best. I completely salute her for that.
Consisting of several talented juniors and seniors in the team, I would say that the team this year can certainly put up a fight to other colleges instead of losing meekly.
It was a pity that we didn't take the opportunity to play well in the first game, or else we would have gotten further in the tournament.
We only have ourselves to blame. That will be one regret that I have this year.
But winning and losing is part of the game.
As long as we learnt from our mistakes and try harder the next time, then we may be able to achieve further.
Sadly, there will be no next time for me.
Hopefully the younger ones will continue to take up the responsibility of the team and not let it drop out of sight.
If the heavy responsibilities and time consuming practices are holding you back from rejoining the team next year, think back about the happy, enjoyable and exciting moments you shared on court with your teammates, and let that feeling guide you on whether your heart really wants to rejoin the team. And if you do, do not hesitate, just go for it.
Remember to enjoy from your heart, and not be forced to.
A very big thank you to Amirah and Sher Lynn for continuing this basketball journey with me for 3 years. We certainly are old now. Haha.
Also thank you to Chiu Hong, Yee Yuan, Cindy, and Dilah for your commitment and time in rejoining the team for the second time.
Last but not least, thank you very much to the juniors, Hui Xian, Shu Min, Huay Woon, Mei Hui, and Choy Fun for your interest and commitment in joining the basketball team. Whether you were on court for long or short periods, your contributions were still very important to the team. Hopefully all of you have learnt something new from this few months of training and most importantly, enjoyed the whole thing.
Three years have come and gone very quickly.
4th college girls' basketball team will forever be an unforgettable part of my university life.
Thank you everyone for giving me this memorable experience.
I sincerely wish that 4th girl's team will only get better and better, and that the younger ones will always be there to continue the love for basketball that we all share!
Love you girls!!
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