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To The Only Team That Ever Made Me Care

I wasn't into sports at all two years ago, but I can proudly say I am now a die-hard Cavs fan.

There was a time I wasn't into sports at all, but I can proudly say I’m a die-hard Cavs fan, and only since 2014. Even though I am what I consider a “young fan”, I scream my heart out and hold my breath throughout each game, in their entirety.

My boyfriend is a sports fanatic, so he also influenced the way I became a Cavs fan. I enjoy watching the games with him, and he loves my enthusiasm for the Cavs. He and my family both agree that he created a monster when he encouraged me to watch the game.

Three years ago, you wouldn't catch me caring about the Cavs, or sports in general. But suddenly, as game four of the playoffs started, back in 2014, I saw Kevin Love get seriously injured by Kelly Olynyk of the Boston Celtics. As Cleveland fans remember, Olynyk purposely and forcibly grabbed Love’s arm and pulled it right out of the socket.

From that moment on, I was hooked on the Cavs, as well as interested in the game of basketball. I knew my life had changed drastically, as soon as I saw Love get hurt. I felt all the emotions rise up inside me at once. I felt sorry for him. I was so angry that Olynyk would take Love out of commission during the playoffs. I wanted to go give Olynyk a piece of my mind.

I wanted them to win that game so bad for Love after he was hurt. I was cheering them on as if my life depended on it. They took the Celtics down. The entire team banded together and won game four. I’ll never forget that game for as long as I live.

I realized that this is how Cavs fans must feel every game. The suspense throughout the game, the last second shots, watching the players sprint with all their might down the court, was incredibly intense. The feeling of never really knowing how a game would end, and wondering which player would step up to help the Cavs win. It was a natural high that I never knew I'd experience.

I was inspired by Lebron's attitude for the game. I quickly learned the ins and outs of the game such as: how the refs called fouls, why they kicked players out of the arena if they acted out, what kind of play was considered a travel, and what was considered an 'and one' shot. I quickly learned who the other players were, alongside Lebron. Now, I know them just by the numbers on their jerseys. I know who is running down the court, with just a quick glance at the T.V.

I love watching the Cavs now more than ever and I cheer against the opposing team passionately. I don't hold back. I understand the game enough, now, that I even yell at the Cavs for their lack of teamwork, missed shots, not driving to the basket, and turnovers.

I've never been to a Cavs game live, but it is a new dream of mine to go to one and possibly meet the players. It'd be amazing to meet any of them, like Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, Richard Jefferson. My new favorite, acquired this year, Kyle Korver. It would be a dream to interview any of them.

My family jokes that they won't take me to a game because of my loud passion for cheering against the other team. But, as I like to say, "when a girl has a passion for something, no one can keep her quiet."

Not too long ago, I attended the Auto Show at the IX Center. I enjoyed the different cars and got to sit in a charger for the first time. But what I really went for, was the chance to see two of the Cavs players in the flesh.

I was so excited just to have the chance to see Richard Jefferson or Kevin Love. I couldn’t wait to get there and I knew the line was going to be long for both players, but I didn’t expect the lines to be as long as they were.

I was still able to get pictures of Richard Jefferson and even though the line was too long to meet him personally, the fact that I was able to get decent pictures of him and see him up close was a dream come true for me. I was on cloud nine for the rest of the day after that.

Watching them successfully make a play is exciting and cheering for them to run and make the basket, even though they can’t hear me through the TV, gives me a high that I never thought I’d experience.

Going from being a person who didn’t even care about the Cavs and their wins or losses, to now remaining a committed, die-hard fan has completely changed my view of sports and team work, in general.

I never thought I’d enjoy watching basketball the way I do now. Watching the Cavs bring home the championship in 2016 was one of the most exciting moments of my life. I couldn’t believe Lebron kept his promise and helped bring Cleveland a championship.

I felt the emotion Lebron was feeling as he collapsed to the ground and cried tears of joy. My family and I were screaming at the top of our lungs and my dad even said that getting to see the Cavs win a championship on Father’s Day was one of the best gifts ever. After 52 years, and being down 3-1 against the Warriors, the championship was truly ours.

I hope and pray we can bring another championship to Cleveland this year and right now, the Cavs have won seven straight games in the playoffs. We have swept two teams and we only have eight more games to go.

Regardless, even if we don’t win this year, I will always be a Cavs fan.

I never thought I’d be a sports fan, yet here I am. Watching my team play is both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. I want them to win so bad, yet I know they can’t and won’t win every game.

My family has told me to shut up so many times when we watch the games together but continue to watch the game right beside me.

I’m proud of changing from someone who never cared about sports, to being a devoted fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Let’s go boys! Bring home another championship.

Read original post here:https://www.theodysseyonline.com/girl-die-hard-cavs-fan

My family has told me to shut up so many times when we watch the games together but continue to watch the game right beside me.

I’m proud of changing from someone who never cared about sports, to being a devoted fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Let’s go boys! Bring home another championship.

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