Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin

Dania Beach, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students. We are pleased to present the work of our student authors. Our blog is open to an array of genres including fiction, essays, and creative writing pieces. Our blog is an open space for our UIC students to IMAGINE, CREATE, and INSPIRE as they share their creative expressions. The mission of Collective Thoughts is to provide a platform to showcase the unique voice of the developing and emerging writer and to foster the love of writing.

Meet Damon Phillips, a UIC Junior and Class of 2028 scholarship athlete whose journey to college basketball was anything but typical. Starting with a dream but no formal training, Phillips faced setbacks, including being cut from his high school team. Rather than give up, he committed to rigorous training, honing his skills and mental toughness through countless early mornings and late nights. His resilience and dedication paid off, leading to a college scholarship and a spot on UIC’s team. Phillips’ story is a powerful testament to perseverance, and we’re thrilled to have him bring that spirit to UIC!

My Journey to Earning a College Basketball Scholarship by Damon Phillips

My journey to earning a college basketball scholarship is one marked by adversity, perseverance, and a deep-seated commitment to overcoming the odds. As I reflect on this pivotal chapter of my life, the contrast between my initial despair and the subsequent triumph is both vivid and inspiring. This is the story of how a high school basketball dream nearly crumbled, only to be rebuilt through relentless effort and determination.

At the outset, my relationship with basketball was marked by enthusiasm but little experience. Growing up, I admired the sport from afar, watching games and practicing shots in my driveway. Yet, as high school loomed, my passion remained just that- an unfulfilled dream. I had never played organized basketball, and my high school offered no opportunities to join a team. By the time I was a senior, my window seemed to be closing, and my aspirations felt increasingly out of reach.

The turning point came abruptly. In my senior year, I finally made the high school team, only to face a series of challenges that tested my resolve. The excitement of being a part of the team quickly turned into frustration as I struggled to keep up with my more experienced teammates. My lack of formal training and game experience became glaringly obvious. The breaking point arrived when, after a series of disappointing performances, I was cut from the team.

However, in the wake of this setback, something remarkable happened. I refused to let this rejection define me. Instead, it ignited a fierce determination within me to prove not just to others but to myself that I could overcome this obstacle. I decided to take my future into my own hands. I sought out a personal trainer- a decision that would reshape my life. My trainer, a seasoned coach with a deep understanding of the game, took me under his wing. The sessions were grueling. Mornings began before dawn, and evenings were spent in the gym long after the sun had set. I dedicated myself to mastering the fundamentals, honing my skills, and building the physical and mental toughness necessary to compete at a higher level. The early mornings were cold, the workouts were intense, and the progress was slow. Yet, with each day, my abilities improved, and so did my confidence.

As the months passed, the fruits of my labor began to manifest. My game improved significantly; I became more agile, more strategic, and more resilient. The skills I developed were not just physical but also mental, learning to handle pressure, stay focused, and remain determined despite setbacks. The sacrifices I made-giving up weekends, social events, and even some of my senior year experiences started to feel worth it.

When the time came to apply for college scholarships, I was ready. I presented not only my improved skills but also the story of my perseverance. It was no longer just about a scholarship; it was about demonstrating that I had the resilience to overcome failure and adversity. That story resonated with the coaches and scholarship committees, and my efforts were rewarded. I was offered a basketball scholarship that allowed me to attend college and continue pursuing, my passion.

Looking back, the journey from being cut from the team to earning a scholarship is a testament to the power of resilience and hard work. It was a period marked by intense personal growth and the realization that adversity while challenging, can be a powerful catalyst for change. This experience taught me that setbacks are not the end but rather an opportunity to rise, adapt, and succeed. In conclusion, the path from a high school player with little experience to a college scholarship recipient was neither straightforward nor easy. It was a journey filled with late nights, early mornings, and relentless effort. Yet, it was through this adversity that I discovered my true strength and capacity for growth. This chapter of my life remains a profound reminder that with determination and hard work, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.