Nothing comes easy when you make the decision to be great. One of the most important lessons I have learned is to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
The opportunity to attend DME Academy allowed me to flourish on many levels. I am surrounded by incredible coaches and athletes in a competitive environment where I am pushed to my limits each and every day. All of the extra work I have put in has allowed me to grow my game tremendously. Competing at a high level in practice each day, balancing my schoolwork and studies, weight training 3 days a week, watching film and playing the highest level teams in the country has made a huge difference in my development and preparation for college.
Leaving my home state of New Jersey and moving to a boarding school in Florida was difficult. While I was comfortable with my previous school, I knew in order to accomplish the goals I set for myself, it was imperative that I made a change.
This is simply a personal example, but the thought of being uncomfortable can be overwhelming. In my case I had to remind myself of the end goal. My love for the game of basketball was stronger than my fear of starting over and proving myself on a new team, in a new state - far from home. I have come to realize that making myself uncomfortable was essential for my growth. Having a true love for the game (but more importantly the process) came with the willingness to make sacrifices. I continue to persevere through the process of becoming great. I look forward to sharing more in the near future. Until then - Happy Holidays!
Talk soon!
-GiGi Battle
