If you were anything like me, you devoted countless hours to your sport. You traveled miles and miles for tournaments, skipped high school events for games, and even changed your lifestyle to be the best athlete you could be. When interest from college coaches started rolling in, nothing was more important than making the right decision. Flash forward a couple years later and things are a bit different now. The once burning passion and desire for the sport that developed over the years are no longer there. Maybe it was because the numerous things you missed out on because you had practice. Or maybe there was that one coach that made you dread the idea of competing another day. Or maybe you’ve just had enough. Whatever the reason, own it. Athletics is an amazing opportunity that everyone should get to experience at some point in their life. It teaches us how to compete, how to work well with others toward a common goal, and most importantly, it teaches us about ourselves. Sports help to mold us into cooperative, driven and passionate individuals. They instill the most basic, yet significant principles for life and bless us with the most wonderful friendships and relationships that last forever. That being said, sports are not everything.

There comes a time in life when hard decisions have to be made, and for me, that was the decision to stop playing basketball at the collegiate level. I didn’t quit because I didn’t enjoy my teammates, or didn’t play enough, or even because my sport turned into a job. I quit because basketball was no longer helping me grow as a person. Instead of having that desire to lace up my shoes and throw on my practice uniform, I found myself full of dread. Dread for two more hours spent on the floor, dread for missing time at home, and dread for not feeling that happiness and joy after a big win. At this point, I knew it was time to hang up my things and end my basketball career. As difficult as this was, I knew it had to be done. First thought that came to my head during all this was that I did not want to be a quitter. I believe in following through and never giving up, even when things get rough. This time was different. I needed to walk away from a toxic situation, I needed to do something that benefited me. So while it was hard to adjust to my new lifestyle, I do not regret my decision. I’ve had the opportunity to widen my horizons, make new friends and expand my comfort zone. And as a result, I am a happier me.

The point of this article is not to bash sports or label athletes, it is to say that moving on is okay. As someone who was an athlete for 15 years and understands the significance that sports hold, I’m saying that moving on is an option. Walking away from something that no longer allows you to grow or remains a positive aspect in your life is admirable. It takes courage and maturity to give something up, no matter how painful or difficult. So for all you athletes that are still in your sport, working hard, and loving every moment: kudos! But for all you newly converted or soon to be “narps,” I am proud of you!