I walked in the cafeteria on my first day of high school and I sat next to a group of nice-enough looking girls. They were sweet; they tried getting to know me. They asked “Are you a freshman?” and I said yes… then I asked them if they were freshmen.

They were seniors. I was mortified.

I had no clue what I would have done the next day, where I would have sat, with whom, if it weren’t for Mountain Lakes Field Hockey.

I was welcomed onto the team with open arms -- it felt like I had known the girls for years, within minutes. I was shy and awkward, but desperate for some belonging -- MLFH has given that to me since day one.

It’s been almost 3 years since that day, but I still find myself anxious for the start of the season, thankfully for different reasons. Though I dread the inevitable sprints under the noon sun, I have so much more to look forward to come August 15th.

I’m looking forward to preseason for so many reasons. I can’t wait to hear the crack of a perfect drive, see my friends after a summer spent almost completely apart. I can’t wait to say my thank yous for everything this team has given me. I hope to contribute on the field, but I can promise to contribute from everywhere I can. I await the Wal-Mart runs and ridiculous game day dress-ups. I can’t wait to bring my freshman buddy posters and share sandwiches on the way back from away games. I can’t wait for the sleepovers and smiles and snacks and the sisterhood that ultimately grows from the season.

The season will inevitably have ups-and-downs, but I can’t wait to ride that rollercoaster one more time. I hope to use my last year as an ode to all the fun I've had, an opportunity to give back all I owe to this team. As for my last season, I’m determined to make it my best season.