Athletes are a special breed of human. You work out more times in a week than some people do in a month or even a year. Though you do love the sport that you do, it would be hard to be a successful athlete if you didn't have encouraging teammates there to get you through.
1. You support each other and want the best for each other.
Whether it be in the sport, in school, or whatever it may be, you still want your teammates to excel in everything they do.
2. They can relate to you on an emotional level ...
No one else understands the exhaustion of waking up before 5 a.m. to go to practice, then to class, then back to practice.
3. ... and a physical level.
You're not the only one that feels the need to drive to class because you're too sore to walk.
4. As if working out more times than there are days in a week wasn't enough, they're still the people you want to hang out with outside of practice.
Practice is always the best time to discuss what the weekend plans are!
5. Your teammates have seen you when you've looked your absolute worst and they still like you.
They've seen you covered in sweat during practice, and they've seen you with no make-up on in pajamas going to class and they still accept you.
6. You eat every meal together every day.
You won't get judged for how hungry you are after practice because odds are there is someone that is eating just as much, if not more, than you are.
7. Your coaches become your parents away from home.
Just remember, they're hard on you because they care.
8. When you're down, you can always count on your team to lift you back up again.
They go through the same things you're going through and have similar goals to your own.
9. Other people think you and your team are a cult.
You work out, go to class, eat, and socialize with your teammates. They are the only ones who understand your crazy schedule, so it's just easiest to associate with them.
10. But once you let others into the "cult," they realize why you never leave.
You know your team like the back of your hand. There are people of all different personalities who love the same sport and that's what makes your team unique!
11. You wouldn't trade them for the world.
To my team: thanks for being my second family.
