Dear Soccer,

I first off want to say thank you for all that you have given me. You have given me countless friendships, laughs, teammates, coaches, and experiences that I could never forget.

To me, and many others you are more than just a sport, you’re a stress relief. You’re an escape, a safe place to be myself. You’re a place where I can share my emotions without saying a word, where I can spend time with 18 of my closest friends. Looking back 18 years ago, I would have never thought that this game could teach me so much without even realizing it, until it was almost over. I am not only thankful for all that you’ve taught me, but I am thankful for all of those you have put into my life over the years. I have met so many life-long friends who share the same love and passion for such a wonderful game. I can honestly say that my life would be completely different if it weren’t for soccer, and I’m not sure I would want to know what that life would be like.

Many hours of practice, hard work, and dedication to the sport have taught me to never give up on your dreams, even if they seem out of reach. Being the underdog has taught me that it is possible to prove people wrong, and to always believe that you can, even when others are telling you that you can’t. Things might not always go the way that they’re supposed to, but they ultimately end up the way they should be. Learning from my mistakes in order to grow and succeed is something all soccer players simply become natural at. Injuries have taught me to stay motivated, even when everything seems to be going all wrong. Soccer has taught me that you may not always win, but you can always give your best effort; and when you do win, the feeling is beyond compare and everything you’ve worked so hard for is finally becoming a reality. Approaching my last year as a collegiate soccer player, it is tough not to reflect on all the sport has taught me. Soccer has taught me a lot of things that even school cannot, and for that I will always be grateful.

Sincerely,

A very appreciative player