You have to study. You have to be smart. We arent wasting our time on sports. It isnt meant for us. This was my parents mantra. Weeknights were reserved for reviewing algebra problems or reading a novel. Participating in sports, my parents decided, wasnt an ideal fit for my life.Their reluctance to embrace sports stemmed from their upbringing in India. Physical fitness just wasnt a part of the culture in which they grew up. For them, the Eastern idea of exercise dwelled in the spiritual -- yoga and meditation were preferred to activities like running, basketball or tennis. When they settled in America, this mindset followed. Although they watched football and other sports, my father believed education offered the best opportunity for success. The idea of pursuing a sport with the same dedication as education seemed frivolous.So I devoted my energy to spectating. I stood on the sidelines, watching my peers dunk a basketball or round the bases during softball. My achievements came in the form of an A on the geometry test or crafting a debate response to a controversial issue. I accepted that my strengths resided in the cerebral; Id hide near the bleachers during P.E., even though I longed to know what it felt like to move with grace, running on the gym floor or landing a volley on the tennis court.During school I heard about a team hoisting a trophy or a coach congratulating players on a good game. What would it mean to hit a home run or high-five my teammates after a win? Sports morphed into a foreign language I sought to not only understand but experience. But instead of pushing my parents to sign me up for volleyball or softball, I acquiesced to their wishes and continued to focus on intellectual pursuits.Now, as a parent to a 10-year-old daughter, I carry on the encouragement for her to solve math problems and read books. I also emphasize practicing tennis. Every week, she devotes several evenings to her serves, backhands and forehands. On the weekends, she competes in tournaments. In a short amount of time, Ive witnessed her grow in ways I didnt get to experience in my youth.When she lost matches in her early tournaments, she would hunch her shoulders and shed a tear, unable to control her emotions on the court. She asked to quit, but my husband and I encouraged her to sit with her angst. Navigating this terrain wasnt always easy since it introduced a level of unease, irritation and, well, loss. It also introduced resolve.Together, we would endure losing streaks, painful practices and tears. Then, in the middle of raw irritation, shed hit a brilliant backhand or ace a serve. The flashes of her hard work started to sprinkle the court in unexpected moments. As her tennis game gained momentum, she would talk about how much she enjoyed the rallies on the court.When she swings her racket, her shoulders relax and a smile appears on her face. During a match, she pumps her fist and acknowledges how much winning a point means to her. A few weeks ago, she said, I love tennis. It helps me relax.Maintaining a balance between?sports and academics isnt easy. We encourage her?to employ time-management skills, limit her?screen usage and anticipate the unexpected and imperfect when splitting time?between schoolwork and tennis. Some days may be academic heavy, while other afternoons and evenings might sway more toward athletics.?Weve seen the balance pay off. Earlier this month, down 3-1 in a set, she evened the score and eventually won the match. I watched as her nervousness and frustration turned into grit and glee, all in a single afternoon.On the ride home from that memorable win, I reminded her she still had to finish the last few problems of her math assignment. I smiled, realizing shes embracing a well-rounded education, one that teaches her the importance of studying and working hard on and off the court.Rudri Bhatt Patels?work has appeared in the Washington Post, Brain, Child Magazine, Role Reboot and elsewhere.?Follow her on?Twitter? and?Facebook?or her website,?Being?Rudri. Nike Air Jordan 1 Wholesale . The Celtics closed out their first preseason under Stevens on Wednesday night with a 101-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who rested a lot of their lineup including former Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Air Jordan Wholesale China . First off, the fans ripped the Cubbies introduction of a fuzzy new kid-friendly mascot named "Clark". http://www.brandshoescheaponline.com/jordan-wholesale-china.html .500 on the season. The Jets are now 0-5-1 in the second game of back-to-backs. The game started the same way the Vancouver game started the night before, with the Jets taking the first two penalties of the game and killing off the first, but the Oilers getting on the board first, scoring on the second man-advantage. Replica Shoes China Wholesale . There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters. Discount Vapormax . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw.Charlie Nicholas believes it is time for Arsene Wenger to step aside but has called for respectful protests on Saturday. Supporters groups have arranged demonstrations at the Emirates during their clash with Norwich, calling for fans to display banners at the 12th and 78th minute to display their displeasure at the clubs failure to win the Premier League in 12 years.Nicholas is himself in agreement that it is time for Wenger to go, but feels that his 20-year reign warrants fans to show respect in expressing their views. Arsene Wenger knows his past successes mean Arsenals fan expect trophies each season He told Sky Sports: I believe myself that it is time for Arsene to step aside and I never thought Id say those words, but I want it done in a way that is done with humility and dignity, if such a thing is possible.However, I wouldnt have a problem if he stayed, but he has to realise mistakes have been made and solve those problems this summer. Protesting has its place, but I just hope they do it with a big of dignity and it doesnt get angry. Charlie Nicholas on Arsenal fan protests I said on Soccer Saturday last weekend that this will only grow and grow as the fans will be thinking these home games against Norwich and Aston Villa should be where theyre securing the title.My opinion is similar to the majority of fans but I find it difficult to be as hard hitting as some of them, but then again theyre paying the big money, more than anyone else in the league, and because of that their influence and opinion carries a greater weight than mine does from the studio. Fans protested against Arsene Wenger in their last home game Protesting has its place, just as the Liverpool fans did in the correct way with the price increases, but I just hope they do it with a bit of dignity and it doesnt get angry.ddddddddddddI just dont see the need for the silly big banners, ridiculous songs and angry demands. It would be a big shame if there was trouble because of it. Charlie predicts Find out what Charlie is tipping up for Arsenal v Norwich here. Some sections are also calling for majority owner Stan Kroenke to step aside, but Nicholas isnt convinced he is the right man to blame.Is this just about Wenger or is this about Kroenke as well because they feel hes holding money back? he added. Wenger in the spotlight Poor form and questionable decision-making has put Arsene Wenger in the spotlight at Arsenal. I think what theyre suggesting is that Kroenke has been holding money back, which is obviously highlighted because he hasnt had a successful time.The frustrating part is that he doesnt say much and Id love a strong personality running the club, but dont see that being the real problem. Arsenals title hopes were killed off at Sunderland last Sunday Theyve had all this money as its been spent on Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech but what Wengers not been getting in is the right players as hes still missing a top centre-half and a centre-forward.The Soccer Saturday pundit does, however, expect the players to evade the fans wrath.I dont think the players will pay much attention because its the manager and the owner that are taking the brunt of the abuse, Nicholas said.I think Norwich could be on receiving end of a backlash this weekend because this side are at their most dangerous when the pressure is off and they can play their football. Also See: Back us, Wenger urges fans Welbeck winner tops Twitter list Wenger in the spotlight Cazorla set for Arsenal return ' ' '