Upon graduating from the local Jewish day school, I was known as the soccer star. I was the fastest girl in the grade and regarded by most as very athletic.

When I made the decision to attend Park freshman year, I had no doubt I would make the varsity team. To me, it all made sense: Park was a small school and there was no way there were that many girls who were good enough to make a varsity squad.

The last day of tryouts freshman year was upsetting. Despite my disappointment over not making both the varsity and JV teams, the season finished OK, as I was voted the most valuable attacker for the JV B team. I realized my assumptions about varsity sports were incorrect, and this hurt my self-confidence.

For the next two years, I made the JV team. Although it wasn’t varsity, I was happy to be playing higher-level soccer. My inability to make the varsity team convinced me my soccer abilities peaked in eighth grade.

This year, I finally made the varsity team. I was excited to be a part of this close-knit group, even though I understood I wouldn’t get much playing time. I gave 100 percent in all the practices. Despite my commitment, the majority of my season was spent on the bench, and I was OK with that.

Although I had limited playing time, I felt like a contributing member of the team anyway. I cheered  for my teammates and contributed positivity by giving them high fives when they came off the field for a substitution.

Through this experience, I learned everyone has an important role in a team. I could’ve easily felt bad for myself, but I chose to make the best of it. I helped make my teammates strong and developed a team spirit that led our team to our best season.

Every team needs a benchwarmer, but that role doesn’t have to be viewed as negative. Non-starters create the backbone of the team: they provide the energy, positivity, strength and dedication vital for success.