<p>GFG, thanks for this explication of the difference between a “good” sports essay and a cliche “bad” one. A student-athlete just handed me the latter for review, and I’ve struggled with how to articulate the change in direction she needs to take. You gave me the words. It goes back to the “show don’t tell” philosophy for these essays. Much better to talk about an anecdote involving their sport, if it must, since that’s where they spend their time. But not one involving a state championship or overcoming dismal failure, but an incident possibly more subtle and revealing of the child’s character, aside from the “hard-worker” adjective that is so over-used with these kids.</p>