Sports have been ingrained in me from an early age. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are playing catch with my dad and sister or shooting hoops at the park. For as long as I can remember sports have been my identity. In high school, I played volleyball, ran track, attempted dance, failed at basketball and dabbled in softball. I have been a part of my families fantasy football league for eight years now. I have consistently lost our march madness bracket competitions for four years now. I have watched my sister play hundreds of basketball games, given up my summers to drive her across the country to camps. My father was an athlete in high school, went on to get scholarships for college and his coach was my grandfather. My family revolves around the love of the game (it almost never matters what type).

So when my senior year rolled around, and I was faced with the fact that I would be moving on from playing sports competitively I was terrified. What was I if I wasn't a volleyball player or a mediocre long jumper? I thought I was going to be left missing something if I didn't have sports. If I no longer scheduled my life around practices and weekend tournaments. But here's the thing that completely surprised me:

I don't miss it as much as I thought I would.I don't sit around reminiscing about my last days on the court, how I could have made a play better or done something differently. I honestly barely remember my last games. I certainly don't feel like I am lacking anything and there isn't a big void that needs to be filled. Because where sports use to be I now have my other interests that make me unique and give me passion.

While sports are still a big part of my life, they always will be, I no longer get my identity from sports. Sports shaped me and made me into who I am today, and for that I will always be thankful.

Right away it may seem strange, when fall comes around and you're not practicing for your first game. You'll visit home and watch your old teammates play, and you'll realize that the team went on without you. You'll realize someone else wears your number and someone else plays your position. You'll realize the sport went on without you, and hopefully in that moment, you'll also realize that you went on without it.