The process of discovering who we are and where we fit in this ever-changing world is an endless and complicated dance of discovery. Through family influence, social norms, experiences, and interaction with our environment, we define ourselves. However, this definition is not one that stays the same forever. Our identity develops, changes, strengthens and solidifies as we reflect on our lives. By exploring the athletic identity of two individuals I will reflect on the differences in expectations and meanings related to the type of identity shared. I examined the development of two different athletic identities—a basketball player turned track runner (myself) and a male basketball player (Rick)—by observing the influence of significant others and the social and institutional forces at play. The biggest influence in my life has been my family. Thirty-eight family members across four generations graduated from Cal, fourteen as athletes, including two in Cal's Hall of Fame. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life when I was little and that desire has never changed. My athletic identity began to form at an early age through the strong influence of my family and their athletic connections. According to Mead, young children form their initial self-image based on involvement with their significant others. I grew up with athletic parents and grandparents, two older brothers, and all male cousins. With a very close-knit family, living just 5-10 minutes away from each other, door to door, all I did when I was young was go to sporting events. From these individuals “we learn the basic knowledge of our society and internalize this knowledge as a coherent set of expectations, feelings and attitudes” (O'brien,...... middle of paper...... you because the The extent to which I feel and think like an athlete will never change. Furthermore, I will always be known and recognized by others as an athlete. Although our situations were different, the process and interaction of reaching our final decision and destination they were the same. Our sense of who we are and our development in identifying as an athlete are strongly consolidated our respective environments. From an early age an athlete's identity begins to form and is strongly influenced by significant others . Social interaction, social norms and institutional frameworks provide different areas of discovery and meaning for two athletic identities. The identity differed due to the relationship with one's social and physical environment, but was ultimately the driving force in solidifying the own athletic identity.