i need reason to believe that maybe this year will be better than the last
My contribution:
Austin was the total package.
Although they started out awkward, giving and getting car rides were sometimes the best part of basketball practices. And after long drives on the road, coming back from away games. We’d leave it on the court… or bring it home with us in the car and complain about it. And she would always thank me for the ride, even though it was just down Crossgate.
Her passion for the sport was inspiring to someone who doesn’t follow basketball. Having her and Beth as practice partners was rewarding in so many ways. How else do you play against six-footers? You practice with them… except they made practice fun, too.
All of the practices… those ridiculous looking track uniforms! And learning from Austin that season. How was brave enough to start high jumping. I was (admittedly) embarrassed that she could improve like she did after just learning, while the jumpers who had been doing it for years were stuck at the same height all season. She made me realize how much I took for granted and how much hard work a sport deserves.
I remember working on a project at Austin’s my senior year for a film class. It was a blow-off class, and Austin and I ended up basically putting together our presentation. We at least both cared enough to get the grade. It was a relief to have someone else in the group who held school as a priority, too.
Her strength in her faith, her love for her family and friends, her enthusiasm for great sports and music. These are how I will remember her. She was a sharp, smart, beautiful, well-rounded woman who was able to touch so many people’s lives.