There is no "I" in team, we've been taught this since day one so it isn't hard to get know your team since you spend close to every day together. My crew team is like my second family, so this is for y'all, thanks for being my second family all those early mornings.

1. They’re the only ones who can relate to you.

Athletes all have pretty unique lifestyles, no one else gets up at 6 a.m. just to lift weights, run, go to class and then go to practice again, it's a continuous struggle. They are the only ones who understand why you cannot walk up the stairs after leg day.

2. Bizarre situations tend to arise during practice.

Whether it's a bus breaking down, having an old man flirt with you during community service or having your coach wink at you, you get through it together and it ends up working out for the better.

3. Lots of team bonding

These are the days of trust falls, Secret Santa's and sleep overs. You get to know your teammates so well that you know them like the back of your hand. Team bonding helps even more with these awkward situations.

4. There is absolutely no judgment.

Your teammates know what you are going through mentally, physically and emotionally. So what if it's your sixth day without putting on makeup or wearing sweatpants

5. 100 percent accountability

My teammates are always the people who tell me to do my best and to push myself. Not only do they tell me I can do better, but they are the people that help my to get to where I want to be, to get me to be a better version of myself.

6. They will always give me something to smile about.

I row and it's a tough sport (despite what some people may think) and it is constantly challenging me. While serious they may be, my teammates provide me with the comic relief that I need at 5 a.m., especially on those hard practice days. Whether it's inside jokes, boat moving antics or hilarious Facebook posts from five years ago, I know these people will find a way to make me laugh.

7. Lots of dinner dates!

Having teammates, no matter how many, insures that you will never have to eat alone. Since I go to a smallish college, I am bound to see a teammate along to way to a meal or have them in a class. At this point of the year, it's become a thing that we all get breakfast together after practice. Our table ends up looking like Thanksgiving exploded with all the plates of food, chatter, and people. One of my favorite parts of my day is sitting down, eating, and generally talking to my teammates.

8. You easily share the same thoughts over time.

"Why am I doing this?"

"Will I survive this bus ride?"

"Is practice ever going to end?"

"When is our day off this week?"

"Is this season ever going to end?"

9. You have the same goals.

The reason we met our teammates is because of the sport we love. We all want to be the best that we can be, and you and your team aren't going to let anyone stand in your way of achieving those dreams. We push one another to be the top dogs, the elite, and the best of the best.

10. They know you better than anyone else.

Apart from my actual family, my teammates know how I am before and after practice, they help me with my problems, we party together (occasionally) and at really anything, my teammates have always been there for me.