Learning to be a good sport

Micaela's basketball team is 0-5 this season and it's been a bit discouraging for her. A friend of mine asked her what she was learning from this experience and Micaela said, "I'm learning to play zone defense better." But studies show that playing sports does a lot more for a girl (and a boy, for that matter) than just learning the basic skills of the game.

1. Girls who play sports do better in school.
2. Girls who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills.
3. Sports have hidden health benefits. Girls are less likely to smoke and have reduced chances of getting breast cancer and osteoporosis.
4. Playing sports enhances self-confidence.
5. Exercise can cut the pressure. Exercise is a natural mood lifter and a great way to relieve stress and fight depression. Plus, when you are on a team, you have friends who support you both on and off the field.
   

But I didn't go into all that with her. I asked her if she's having fun. She said she was. Well, then, she's a winner.