Basketball helped rekindle her life
Back on the Court – For the Love of the Game
I can’t begin to explain how good it feels to be back on the court again. It’s like being home. At least when I’m playing…the next day however, is another story. When I rolled over to get out of bed the morning after my first game back, I become reacquainted with every single muscle in my body and thought I might die. But funny thing is at the same time it felt awesome. That kind of soreness takes me back to college, when basketball practice was 3 hours of drills, conditioning and scrimmaging and then weight lifting. And I loved it, most of the time. Yes, after having to sit out a few months with a bad hip it’s good to be back playing, but the problem is, I’m out of shape. So to take care of the matter, I joined two leagues. No better way to get back in shape, or kill myself. Actually, I’m feeling pretty good and not playing half bad…for a 41 year old. All for the love of the game. It’s funny how making the time to do things you love, can really make you happy. 🙂
Step into Style Fashion Show
I had another opportunity to be a part of a benefit fashion show. The Step into Style Luncheon and Fashion Show presented by The Assistance League of the Eastside was filled with fashions from the Newport House and was a lot of fun for myself and the crowd.
Remember the Gifts
Recently I had the most incredible experience. I was allowed to share my story of recovery with a grief support group at a neighborhood middle school. I felt very privileged. I can’t imagine dealing with death while going through middle school. Those years are such a time of change and growth.
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
Blog
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday:
I put on a basketball camp this week for girls between 2nd and 8th grade. Our high school players coached the young athletes. The campers had a blast. All were exhausted by the last day, campers and coaches alike. But oh to see the smiles. A good reminder of why I coach.
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Worth A Thousand Words
When I look at a photo I can be transported into a different time, place, even world sometimes, and how much fun to write about it…
Writing Prompt: 
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: What Is Success?
My daughter is reading “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell for her AP Literature class this coming fall. The book discusses what it takes to become a high-achiever. My daughter translated it to me in her 16-year-old perspective (I have not read the book), “Mom, to be successful, a person must put 10,000 hours in the activity they choose. In fact, parents start their kids playing hockey, at 5 years old, so they can put in enough hours to go Pro.” As an athlete, I know the value of time and effort. But I also know that there are tons of kids that put in the time and don’t make it to the professional level and sometimes even if they do, is it true success?
Does a 5-year-old child really know what they want to do, want to be, when they grow […]
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