There are an endless amount of articles out there about how it feels to lose something or what lessons athletics have taught us, and honestly, just about anything a person writes can be validated by it’s presence on the internet. Yet, no matter how I searched or what I read nothing connected with what I was feeling. But why should it? Those weren’t my stories. But this one is.

Ask any former athlete about their time in collegiate athletics and you will most likely see their eyes gaze over, transporting for a second back to a world of possibility. For some, it’s the lost glory days, the best days of their lives. Others reminisce about that time with less appreciation. I had a teammate who said, “You know, we’re never going to get these times back.” And she was right.

Because after a year of being done with a sport, I can confidently say I’m at peace with what I left behind. I see the spark in other players and wish I could tell them to never let it fade. Even when your 0-3 at the plate and can’t seem to get your throw to first base just right. There will be days like that. But, that’s life.

So I’m asking you, can you be my spark?

Can you play for me and every other athlete who still holds the love of the game close to their heart? I don’t care if sounds sappy or overly sentimental. There is a special bond between the sport you love to hate, the lessons it taught you, and the idea that you never can go back. We are at different chapters of life, but that doesn’t mean I forget the feeling of running onto that field with the sun shining, the worn leather glove on my hand, and a pure sense of joy in every play. So be my spark and don’t give up.

Fall in love with the game, the moment where you feel on top of the world and the moment when you feel like hiding in a corner. Love both.

Feel pride. For yourself, for your team, and for your sport. This season is bigger than just you and the sooner you realize that the more you will receive. Take pride when you button up your jersey, when you tie your cleats, when step up for battle. You leave a mark every time you step on a field - make sure it’s a good one.

Find that relentless source of enthusiasm and use it to power an unmatched positive attitude. It will take you far. Further than you think. So run out those sprints and give your all in the monotonous drills. Don’t complain, it’s just a waste of energy. Be bigger than other’s expectations. I know you can be.

Don’t be afraid to fail. This game is based on failure after all. If you strike out 7/10 times, you’re still sitting at .300. Not too bad. But it’s up to you to see that perspective. Challenge yourself to rise above the failure, the disappointment, and frustration. Love the game, love the moment. If not for yourself, then for those who stand beside you in the dugout on the field, those who cheer for you from the stands, those who have gone before and know what it’s like to walk away from the game with part of their heart still on the dirt, forever etched into the sport.

Because one day, when the sun is perfect and the smell of dirt and grass waft toward you, you won’t have the game. You won’t be able to give of yourself everyday—both physically and mentally.

And on that day, you finally realize that while you were giving to the game, it was returning back to you 10 times more.

So be a spark and love this moment.