By Anna Lococo
Across different teams and sports, uniforms may vary widely by cut, color and design. But uniforms share a common purpose - to unite the wearers as one with their school and their team.
Unbranded accessories like tattoos have become one way for athletes to differentiate themselves from their teammates.
Junior Nick Lewis, who won a state title in high school and has broken Bellarmine cross country and track and field records, has two tattoos. But the “trust” tattoo across his ribs is his favorite.
“It reminds me of my high school days because I would get injured a lot or there would be a lot of setbacks,” he said. “I would just keep trusting what I am doing, keep trusting my coaches, and it always worked out. It just always reminds me that no matter what is going on in life trust it and things will work out.”
Through the process of transferring from University of Louisiana Monroe to Bellarmine, senior women’s basketball player Sheniqua Coatney said she was reminded that her new journey was all determined by “God Speed,” Coatney’s tattoo says, “God speed - Life is a series of journeys. Every change you are experiencing is divine intervention guiding you on your unique path. Be fearless when the winds of change start to greet you - it is a sign that says something magical is brewing.”
Coatney said, “It reminds me to keep going on this new journey that I am on.”
During her sophomore year, senior softball player Sydney Young lost her father, whom she described as her best friend. Honoring her father, Billy Young, she got two tattoos as reminders of his life.
Young’s motivation to continue her softball career is dedicated to her father because he was her biggest supporter. The tattoo on the side of her hand says, “Dad Loves You,” and the tattoo on her ankle is a butterfly.
“Me and my dad’s favorite song was ‘Butterfly Kisses,’ and whenever I am playing softball it reminds me of him,” she said.
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