If you're anything like me, you're probably someone who is definitely not athletically gifted by any means. But that never stopped us from playing sports all throughout high school. I was on the field hockey team for all four years, three of which were spent more on the bench than on the field. But you know what, the bench warmer may just be one of the most important positions on the team. After all, the players on the bench are the ones who cheer on the team while they play, the ones who are willing to go in if someone gets hurt, and most importantly, the ones who don't take themselves too seriously.

Whenever anyone asked me what position I played, I just responded with "left bench". I was never really embarrassed that I was a member of the bench squad, because honestly, that's where some of my best memories were made. So, if you're like me and were part of the elite bench squad, here are some things you've probably experience too:

1. Wondering how you even managed to get on the team in the first place.

How did I get here...? I guess my hand-eye coordination is improving then, right? Yeah no, that's definitely not it.

2. Not knowing whether to be happy or scared when you got the rare opportunity to play in the game.

Wooh coach finally put me in!! Oh sh*t wait that means I actually have to figure out what I'm doing *cue internal panic*

3. Joking around 24/7.

Guys! Look at me look at me, I'm using my field hockey stick as a cane!

4. And then getting yelled at by your coach for doing so.

Oh hi coach, just uh...working on a new drill I invented...

5. Messing up at practice and hysterically laughing about it.

Hahaha did you guys just see that?! I totally just whiffed the ball like 5 times, that's definitely a new record. I give up on this drill, it was dumb anyway. Besides, I don't have anything to lose.

6. Making some of your lifelong best friends on the bench.

The bench is a place where everyone is accepted and you always support each other. It honestly becomes a little family in and of itself. In fact, this is where I met and bonded with my best friend.

7. Talking about anything and everything other than the game.

Are you guys ready for the AP U.S. History test tomorrow?! I'm totally freaking out!

8. Getting frustrated when there wasn't a literal bench for you to sit on.

What!? If I'm not being put in the game I think I, at least, deserve something to sit down on. I'm not trying to stand the entire time.

9. Cheering even louder than usual when a fellow bench squad member got to go into the game.

YEAH!! Omg, you go! Make the bench squad proud out there!

10. Never completely understanding all of the rules of the sport.

What do you mean I can't cross that line? Has that always been a rule...? I should really figure out what's going on.

11. Knowing that your bench warming days will forever be in your heart.

People on the outside (and the all-stars of the sport) just don't get the concept of being a bench warmer. Sure, it was frustrating at times when you really wanted to get in the game but couldn't. But honestly, you made some of your best memories talking to your bench squad that became a little family and goofing off together at practice.