Angel Tejada

Sports. Since the beginning of civilization and culture, it has been something that brings humans together.

In the present day, fans around the world can gather to watch their favorite athletes compete in high-stake games. It’s the adrenaline of a close-cut game, the rush of victory and the drive of defeat that excites people.

No matter if I am on the pitch, in the stands, watching it at home or even just watching highlights, I can feel that rush.

Watching sports doesn’t just bring fans and communities together, but family and friends. I have many core memories of friends and family just excited to be together and hang out to watch a simple soccer or football game. Being happy to be together just comes with watching any sports game.

One of my fondest memories was of watching the 2022 Qatar World Cup finals. I was always watching the games leading up to the finale, whether that be in class, in the shower or even when I was supposed to be asleep.

But it all led up to the World Cup final, the Argentina national football team versus the France national football team.

Considering Lionel Messi has been my idol since I learned what soccer was, I was obviously rooting for Argentina. My brother and I placed ourselves on the couches, at the edge of our seats, anxiously waiting to see who would win.

It was the most stressed I had ever been in my life, until that final penalty goal that sealed Argentina’s win. We leapt from our seats, arms wrapped around each other, jumping up and down like kids on Christmas.

We felt so connected, so happy together, all for a game where you kick a ball around. For me, sports are a vessel that I can enjoy and express that joy with those around me.

No matter where I am, what sport I’m watching, it’s that tether that brings everything together.

It truly is something special.

Above: SPORTS COMMUNITY: An illustration portrays four people sitting on a couch watching a multitude of sports like soccer, basketball and football. Sports have always had the power to bring people together in more ways than one. “For me, sports are a vessel that I can enjoy and express that joy with those around me. No matter where I am, what sport I’m watching, it’s that tether that brings everything together,” Journalism I student Angel Tejada wrote. Illustration by Antonio Starks