Ever since I was little, sports have always been a major aspect of my life. It was where I made my first friends at 3 years old, it was where I learned valuable lessons that have helped me navigate through life, and it is and always will be my happy place.
I've been playing sports for 10 years and it was one of my favorite things to do; soccer was my life, and the field was my home. I never thought there would be a day when I wasn't going to be able to play, when I wouldn't be out on the field with my second family. I wouldn't find myself in the hospital over stupid injuries from giving my all to the team, or feeling the rush of stepping onto the field before a big game.
Life caught up to me. It got busy, and I found myself having less and less time to do things I enjoyed. You see, my freshman year was incredibly busy. I uncovered an appreciation for theater and absolutely fell in love, but it was incredibly time consuming. Come December I was faced with a huge decision: do I give up what I've known for my whole life to try something unknown, or do I give up what could become my new passion for the rest of high school?
Ultimately giving up soccer was the best decision for me. As an up and coming junior I had to focus too much on schoolwork and college prep and I wouldn't have been able to stick to the strict soccer schedule. So the weekend of May 27, 2016, I played my last tournament game with my team. Everyone was extremely supportive and kind about my decision, especially my family and my best friend, which made it very easy for me to transition out of all I have known.
After a month I really started to miss playing. I realized that even though it was what is best for me, leaving behind something you're so passionate about kills a part in you that you never even realized was there. I didn't realize this part of me existed until it was gone.
It's now three months later and I'm very happy with the way my life is going. I know it was the best thing for me, but I want my team to know that if I could jump right back in, I would do so in a heartbeat. I miss soccer, and it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
To my fellow athletes, embrace every moment you spend doing something you are passionate for. Every win you celebrate, every loss you mourn, every on-your-toes final minutes of the game, and every tournament you travel to, treasure it, because you truly never know when it may be your last. Through all the pain, sweat, blood, and tears -- I don't regret one second. I will forever be grateful for what I have learned through playing, and will always remember the great memories soccer has given me over the years.
