I have played sports for 14 years and I can honestly say I never thought I would see the end of my athletic career. I took every season for granted thinking “I’m still young I always have next season” and I kept that thought process until my senior year of high school when I couldn’t think like that. There were no more seasons. No more summer practices with the same guys I called my teammates for years. After walking across that graduation stage in June, I wasn’t an athlete anymore. I simply had the memories of one, nothing more. I remember reading an article that had that line “Every Athlete Dies Twice” written by Machala Robinson. This really hit me because of how true it is. When you have true passion and love for the game, it’s like a piece is missing when you have to call it quits. The reason why I say all this is to warn all you young high school athletes to take full advantage of your opportunity to play the game you love so much and the game you grew up with because you never know when it can be your last snap, last inning, last time wearing that uniform. Some of you may go on to play in college and some, like myself, may call it quits. It goes incredibly fast and before you know it you’re already missing playing. That’s why you shouldn’t moan or complain having to wake up for those early morning practices. You shouldn’t wish away all those hard sessions of conditioning because trust me when you’ll never be in better shape than when you’re playing a sport. Enjoy every minute of every moment you experience, the friendships and memories that you’ll make throughout the career are something that you will never forget. Just part of the reason why athletics are such an amazing thing to be a part of.

Many people would kill to go back to their glory days to suit up one more time for the sport they loved. Which is why we have to warn you, never ever take it for granted like myself. Unfortunately, it all comes to an end someday. Live it up while you can, play so hard that you can look back and smile and think to yourself “I played my heart out that night” push yourself to the next level so you can make amazing plays that you’ll carry with you all your life. Sports are a great way to build friendships, get in good shape, but the best part of it is the memories you’ll make. Looking back on it that’s the main thing I’ll hold with me as long as I live, that’s the magical thing about not only sports but high school in general. Enjoy being a kid and only having to worry about how your going to beat that team coming up this week. Many people would love to go back and give it another go just once. Always remember, one day you won’t be an athlete anymore, you’ll simply have the memories of one.