Being able to play a sport while in college is a blessing and a curse. Between the late nights on the road after away games in different states and all the early morning practices all on top of being a student can be difficult, but the friendships and discipline and everything in between are well worth it.
1. My Coach.
Coach, I can't begin to thank you enough for the opportunity that you gave to me. Without you opening the door for me I would not be the person I am today. You disciplined me and made me strong even when I thought I could not push myself anymore. You always made me strive for success and taught me to be the best I could be and because of you I am. My teammates became my family, and you as well. I will never forget all that you taught me in our short time together.
2. We made it through the worst.
Losing is never an easy pill to swallow, especially when it is the last game of the season. Losing may have put a damper on our spirits, but all it did was make us want to fight harder. We always came back better and stronger. It also brought us closer together in a sense that we could think about what we had to improve on individually and as a whole, but never once did we put each other down.
3. We made it through the best.
Winning was always a great celebration for all of us. We never got too cocky, but just enough because we knew we deserved it. Thank you for always complementing each other on how well each player did that day, whether it was a practice or a game. There is no better feeling than sharing an amazing win with some of your closest friends.
4. I always had a friend.
Everyone has their good days and their bad days and when I was having a bad day I always had a teammate to cheer me up. Being close with your teammates is a great thing, because you can always tell when someone isn't feeling their best and you always know exactly what to say to help them get back on their feet.
5. You all became my second family.
My teammates became like my sisters. I could say something stupid and still get a laugh out of at least one or two of them and I could truly be myself when I was with them. There will never be another group like them and I will cherish every memory we made together.
6. All the amazing adventures.
When you're on a bus for hours at a time traveling to another state with your team it's always a fun time. There's nothing better than sitting in a bus watching 10 Things I Hate About You and hearing one of your teammates quote it word for word. Having a win away from home was always fun because there was always some really good pizza or other tasty food to follow. I will never forget all the bus rides, shopping trips, and hotel nights we all spent together.
7. There will never be another group like them.
There are many words that I could use to describe my teammates. Each of them is different from the next and that was why our team was so unique. We all had different personalities, but it blending together so well and nobody was ever out of place. Everyone was always welcome and nobody was ever meant to feel like an outsider.
8. You always believed in me.
I was never the best player on the team, but my teammates never put me down (even if I hit someone in the head with a ball or accidentally tackled someone trying to get a pass). I had many bad days, but my team always focused on what I was doing well and told me that tomorrow will be better and that I just need to keep working on my skills and it will all pay off. There was never a moment where I felt that I was letting my team down, because they were so full of positivity for our team.
9. You made college easier.
Although I don't miss the late night studying and having to attend study halls, I do miss walking to class and passing a teammate and getting so excited because I knew that we had a game later. I always had someone that was willing to go to dinner with me when I didn't have anyone to go with. I always had someone on the team who would lend me an extra hand with my studying. College isn't so bad when you have 30 plus people looking out for you.
10. These friendships will last forever.
My teammates were the best friends anyone could ever ask for. We've all been through so much together and I will never forget any of the amazing memories that we shared. These friendships mean so much to me and no matter where life takes us, just know that I will always be here for each and every one of you.
