It's the first day of tryouts, and you walk onto the court as nervous but ready as ever. You look around, dazed and confused, at all the unfamiliar faces. People introduce themselves and you struggle to remember the multitude of names. You practice for a bit and try to get over the uncertainty that's creeping in. You try to familiarize yourself with these new people and their lives.

With each passing practice, you get a little closer with these once strangers. You learn their family members' names, where they grew up, what their dog looks like, and why they prefer coconut water over regular water. You begin to fall into a set routine with them. Practice for two hours here; practice for three hours there, and suddenly you realize that you began to view these people as much more than just your teammates - they're your friends. Now, practice isn't just drills and hitting balls around; it's seeing the people who make you smile a little wider and laugh a little louder.

I can't even tell you the amount of times I've felt as if I was having the worst day ever until I went to practice, spent time with my team, and left feeling like a new person. There's something so unbreakable about the bond between teammates. You guys see each other at your worst and best, carry each other through your highs and lows, and never stop supporting one another. They'll be there to listen to you when you got into a fight with your roommate or when you think your coach is being unreasonable. They'll give you your space when you lost a tough match but be there with arms wide open for a hug when you're ready to feel better. They'll give you advice when your swing wasn't as good as it could be or when you need help deciding what to wear that night.

Your teammates are with you every step of the way, every point lost, every point won, every drop of sweat, every tear, every laugh, every piece of good or bad news; they're there for you. Suddenly, the season is over and the title "teammate" is retired for "friend," and life couldn't be better.