Were You Picked Last for the Team as a Kid? Me Too.

It stung, didn’t it?

Standing there, waiting, pretending not to care as one name after another was called—until yours was the only one left. Maybe it was about speed. Or skill. Or just being different. Whatever the reason, it left a mark.

But here’s the thing: being picked last back then taught me how to show up anyway. How to root for myself when no one else was. How to build confidence from the inside out, not from applause or approval.

Turns out, those early moments of being underestimated became fuel. They gave me empathy. Resilience. Drive. And maybe—if you’re anything like me—they did the same for you.

So if you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or just a little out of place, know this: the best teams aren’t built from popularity. They’re built from people who know how to rise.

And trust me—you’ve already been training for that your whole life.