At some point in your life, your athletic career will come to an end. Whether it's because you aren't going pro, or you graduate from school, or you get injured, your days of playing are limited. While you're playing, learn to appreciate every second. Last year, my lacrosse career came to an end and my sectional finals game was the last game of my career.
After pushing through an injury for a full season, I walked off of the field thinking that I had four more years of collegiate lacrosse to look forward to. I was devastated that my high school lacrosse days were over but I was looking forward to starting over at Marywood University. I planned on spending my summer rehabbing my hip and bettering myself to start over in a few short months. After countless days of rehab and still being in the same amount of pain, I got an MRI. The MRI showed a tear in my labrum in my hip.
When speaking to the doctor, he told me that I needed another hip surgery and that my lacrosse career was over. I caused too much damage to my hip and was told I could need a hip replacement by the age of 25 if I continued to play. This broke my heart. I couldn't believe that my days of doing what I love were over. The last time I was able to play was six months before I got this news. If I had known that my career was ending after my high school season, I would have done so many things differently. I would have cherished every little thing instead of dreading the long practices.
The picture below was the last shot of the last game I played in. Looking back, I regret not cherishing every second I had on the turf because I would do anything to get this moment back.
I ask one thing. No matter where you are in your career, take a second to cherish every minute you are able to do what you love. Of course it sucks to run, condition and do the hard work that it takes to better yourself as a player. But, appreciate the time you have and the memories you are making. Learn from my mistake and cherish your teammates and being able to do what you love because everything can change in an instant.
How hard would you play today, if you knew you could not play tomorrow?
