Dear Soccer,
You came into my life when I was 3 years old. I was young and not completely aware of how to understand you, as you were complex and full of rules. However, you didn't care, and we got along perfectly. You were by my side as I grew up, and brought me many teammates along the way. These teammates became friends to grow with and confide in. You introduced me to some of the most influential people I'd ever met as a young teenager, who gave me the courage and inspiration to keep doing what I love, and to be the kind of person they were. You brought me challenges and hard times, but also the perseverance to fight through things and come out better because of it.
From a clueless 3 year old to a 21 year old college athlete heading into her final season, you have stuck by me through every high and every low. Whether it was a new drill I finally figured out or a broken finger, I could count on you to be by my side. When I was ready to give up, you were right there, showing me all the reasons why giving up was definitely not the right choice. You gave me the confidence I needed, both in practices and games, to make me feel like I was invincible. When I was at at my worst, you picked me up and helped me continue, and when I was at my best, you applauded me and pushed me to be even better.
Whether winning or losing, you never gave up on me. You have been with me through the incredible high of championship wins, and the lowest of lows after championship losses. Both times were emotional and, since you know me so well, my emotions were through the roof. However, you didn't judge or question why I reacted the way I did. You simply stood by my side, ready to get back into things when I felt ready. You were there no matter what the outcome, arms wide open to welcome me back.
During the tough times outside of playing and practicing, when things took a turn for the worst in my personal life, you gave me signs that things were going to be okay. Even when I truly thought that nothing would ever be right again, you were the one who showed me that I had a bright future to look forward to, and that the people I loved the most supported me no matter what happened. You even gave me signs from my guardian angel, letting me know that he had major plans for me down the road. When college began and I didn't know if I could handle the difficulties of being a college athlete, being away from home and juggling schoolwork on top of everything, you were once again one of the encouraging voices, pushing me to be the best version of myself and prove to myself that I was fully capable of whatever life threw at me.
Soccer, there are so many things I could continue to thank you for. I thank you for the endless friendships you have provided me with, as I have met inspiring and selfless women that I can say with full confidence will be my bridesmaids and sisters for life. You have introduced me to coaches and mentors who have changed my life for the better, giving me the guidance and support when I needed it, as well as tough love and criticism to push me even harder. These leaders in my life have no doubt gotten me to where I am today, and for that I will be forever grateful. I am comforted in the fact that, after 18 years of playing the wonderful game, I will be leaving it a much better person than I could've ever imagined. I have you to thank for almost all of the wonderful things in my life: my strength, my perseverance, my composure, and most of all, my love. You have taught me what it truly means to love something so much, it hurts.
Thank you, soccer, for your endless love and dedication to making me the person I am today. No words can express how thankful I am to have you in my life. We have one final season left together, and I am both excited and nervous. I am excited to see what you and I can put together for one final campaign. I am excited to feel the overwhelming joy you bring into my life for one last competitive schedule. However, I am nervous about what will happen when it ends. I don't know how I will react, and I don't know what thoughts will be going through my head. One thing I do know, however, is that you will be there. Right by my side, you will be ready to welcome me back, arms wide open, embracing me as the game I love. I can promise you this: after our final season, it will not be goodbye. It will be 'see you later.'
With Love,
Me
