"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."

 - Ambrose Redmoon

We are moving on to the Sweet Sixteen! We won our first round game tonight, not the best basketball we are capable of playing, but we won. Together.

In my ripening age of 22, I am nearing the end of my basketball career and the unknown is creeping into my sub conscience, haunting me. I’m exaggerating, but it is a bit numbing. The fear of the unknown is common in our society. We want to know the next step, the plan, the answer to everything.

I am somewhat enthralled with something called PostSecrets. It started out as a community art project and has turned into a worldwide phenomenon. The idea is to create a postcard that has your secret written on it, and anonymously send it in. Many people send them as a kind of therapy to help them let go of something that has haunted their life, or just something that they want to voice. Some are heavy, others are light and happy. All in all it’s inspiring. I check it out every week as a reminder of my good fortune. I have loving and devoted friends and family, sponsors and teammates, coaches and teachers. I’m generally a happy healthy person.

My biggest concern is this tournament, it is the end of the line for me. Every time I step on that floor it is do or die. Win or go home. But I have a fear, a secret.

"What if I let down the girl next to me? What if I let my team down?"

I figured out why I love the game of basketball. It’s not because I want to be popular, win awards, or even win games. I love the girls that share the same jersey. I am proud to be a Warrior, and I love the school I play for. It’s rare, to be so in love, and love hurts sometimes. But at the end of the day I know I have the greatest friends, teammates, and coaches in the country. So my secret isn’t a secret anymore. I want everyone to know that without this team, these friends and the support we have for each other, there would be no Sweet Sixteen on this night in Jackson, TN. Even if I never make another shot, I know that they will still love me. They may be a little frustrated, but they will continue to care for me and pick me up when I fall.