As I look back on my freshman year of college, I can say without a doubt that the best and most rewarding aspect of school was having the opportunity to play softball. While it wasn't always easy, the improvement I've shown as both a player and an individual is something that I'm incredibly proud of. I learned more than I could ever put into words, but these are the lessons that have stuck with me the most.

1. The road to success is uphill.

For a perfectionist like me, it was difficult to realize that mistakes do not define you as a player; how you respond to those mistakes make or break you. Success will never be handed to you. Even if you feel as though you are working the hardest you ever have in your life, someone else is still working harder. When you reach one goal, set another. Never settle for the path of least resistance, because the road less traveled is always more rewarding in the end.

2. Sleep is your best friend.

Naps become a necessary element of your day as a collegiate athlete. Between classes, practice, the weight room, and studying, your day is pretty much packed. Sneaking in a nap can be difficult between the necessary activities you have planned, but it is crucial to give your body the time it needs to heal and recharge. Whether you find time for a thirty minute nap or you only have time to take a five minute power nap, you cherish the time you spend sleeping, because it never seems to be enough.

3. There is always going to be someone who is better than you.

Whether or not you were the best player on your high school or travel team, you are definitely not the best anymore. You're playing with the best athletes from all over the state, sometimes from different states, and it can be difficult to realize that the crown you've held on your head for the past four years is being painfully snatched from your head. The important thing to remember is that you have so much to learn from the players around you. Watch how they play, listen to their advice, and take their words to heart, because learning from the best improves your game tremendously.

4. Let the game heal you, not break you.

It's incredibly easy to become frustrated with your sport if your performance does not meet your standards. Once your mental toughness is depleted, it takes a lot to build it back up. The worst thing you can do is doubt yourself. Remind yourself that you are playing for a reason, that you love the game, and that you have so many people who believe wholeheartedly in your success. Take a deep breath, and remember why you love playing. Let your successes heal you, and learn from your failures.

5. At the end of the day, your stats are unimportant.

Sure, it's great to be the best on the team, but at the end of the day that's not what you'll be remembered for. Personally, I would much rather be remembered by my teammates as someone who gave her all, would do anything for the team, and was a positive person to be around. Of course, your teammates will remember how good your batting average was or how many goals you had, but it will not be nearly as impressive if your poor attitude got in the way of being a good teammate. Be encouraging, supportive, and motivated, and you will gain the respect of your peers.

6. Your talent is a gift.

Your talent is a gift that not many people possess. Having the ability to play a collegiate sport is a beautiful opportunity that not many people have. You are incredibly lucky to attend the school you do, and playing a sport there is just icing on the cake. Never take your abilities for granted, because someone out there wishes everyday that they were in the position you are now. Work hard and prove every minute of everyday that you deserve to be there.

7. Your teammates are an enormous blessing.

Sports can only last so long, but the friendships you make while playing those sports last a lifetime. Your teammates are the most important aspect of the game, and they should be treated with the utmost respect. Without their support, guidance, and love, you would not have the success that you do. They are the only people in the world who understand exactly what you're going through. Cherish every practice, team bonding activity, bus ride, and even morning conditioning, because any time spent with your team is time well spent.

Every second that you spend being a collegiate athlete is something that other athletes everywhere dream of. Never forget that, and never forget why you play... for the love of the game.