Written by Cheyanne Mumphrey

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — There is a passion in every athlete; it's the look in their eyes, the determination in their minds and the competitive spirit in their hearts. Every athlete has it. From the outside it is not something that could be understood, because it is not something you can see.

Many may wonder; why do they put themselves through so much pressure? What makes them want to get up and workout? How could they dedicate their lives to this one activity?

But to them it is a lifestyle.

Athletes make a choice to wake up every morning doing something they love. It may be the hardest thing they have to do, but there is a love for it — a fire.

However, it is not always a side that you see. They are always sore, always hungry and never seem to have enough time in a day and to them it's worth it.

Taking the time to build their strength, condition their bodies and properly nourish, is what makes an athlete an athlete. They are talented in what they do and they are determined to get better.

Whatever it takes to win. Whatever it takes to get better. That's what they do.

Dribbling up the court, breathing through the mask into the eyes of your opponent and hearing the gun sound to start the race, fuel a fire within them.

It's the countless hours and numerous days you spend with your teammates and coaches, the relationships you build, the life lessons you learn and the competitive satisfaction you get when you hold that trophy up in the air that make being an athlete worth it.