Short answer help please?

<p>I am writing the short answer about an extra curricular activity for the common app. I don't know how important this is or what they are looking for, so any comment is appreciated! Here's what I have:</p>

<p>"Running cross country has been the best part of my high school experience. When I joined the team my freshman year I had just moved from another state and was a new student at the school. Without thinking twice, the team accepted me and I found myself a part of a family that would later became my own. I had played basketball for 5 years before hand and never found such an amazing group of people. Needless to say, I was ecstatic for my first cross country season. As freshman, sophomore and junior year passed I found myself not only learning more about running and my body, but about myself in general. I've discovered how much of a mental game life is and through cross country I've learned how to play it. These 4 years of running have given me more knowledge and friendship than I believe I could have found anywhere else and I'm so thankful for the time I've had as a part of this team."</p>

<p>Thank you thank you thank you!</p>

<p>Anyone? :)</p>