The process of discovering who we are and where we fit in this ever-changing world is a never-ending and complex dance of discovery. Through family influence, social norms, experiences, and interaction with our environment, we define ourselves. However, this definition does not remain the same forever. Our identity develops, changes, strengthens and solidifies as we reflect on our lives. By exploring the sporting identity of two individuals, I will reflect on the differences in expectations and meanings attached to the type of shared identity. I examined the development of two different athletic identities – a basketball player turned track runner (myself) and a male basketball player (Rick) – examining the influence of significant others and the social and institutional forces at play on my life has been my family. Thirty-eight family members across four generations have graduated from Cal, fourteen as athletes, including two in the Cal 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 sporting identity began to form at a very young age due to the strong influence of my family and their sporting connections. According to Mead, young children form their first self-image based on their engagement with those close to them. I grew up with athletic parents and grandparents, two older brothers and all cousins. Coming from a close-knit family, living only 5-10 minutes from each other, door to door, I only went to sporting events when I was young. From these individuals, "we learn the basic knowledge of our society and we internalize this knowledge as a coherent set of expectations, feelings and attitudes" (O'brien,...... middle of article ......because 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. Even if our situations were different, the. The process and interaction to reach our final decision and destination has been the same. Our sense of who we are and our development toward identification as an athlete has been strongly solidified through our respective environments. At a young age, an athlete's identity begins to form and is heavily influenced by social interactions and social norms and institutional frameworks provide different areas of discovery and meaning for two sporting identities. Identity development and maintenance differed due to relationship with their social and physical environment, but was ultimately the driving force in solidifying their athletic identity..