Some of the greatest times in my life were when I was part of a team, whether it was my travel or high school soccer team. There is a kind of unspoken bond that exists between players and teammates. Since leaving high school and moving on to other clubs and groups in college, I miss the unique connection that exists between those you shed blood, sweat, and tears with.
Sure, there are recreational options to pursue on campus, but nothing quite resembles that of a team that you go to school with or one that you travel around the state with.
A team spends countless hours together, not limited to practices. You learn the ins and outs of each others' personalities without even realizing it. On the field there is a persona that exists that's different than when you are off-field. You get to know these too. If a girl yells at you, you don’t take it personally. If a girl does something great, you let her know. I have a very specific memory of a lesson our coach tried to teach us about defending your teammates. One of our players had been hurt by an opponent and he pulled us all together to say that if someone gets rough with your teammate, you give it right back to them. You literally have each others' backs.
The best teams are those that have become so accustomed to playing with each other that they know exactly where each other will be on the field without having to communicate. Runs and plays have become like muscle memory. Other memories you all might want to forget are endless drills and fitness training in unbearable conditions. Two practices a day, physical tests, and tournaments in the hot summer months are an agonizing, yet a bonding experience if you make it out alive.
The lessons you learn from a team are not limited to the physicality of the game. You learn to deal with losses, you learn to trust, you learn to forgive, and you learn how to compete. It’s hard to put into words the connection you feel with the other girls you spend so much of your time with working towards a common goal. So thank you for the senior nights, the team lunches between tournament games, the encouragement on and off the field, and all the life lessons in between. Thank you to the teams of my past for making me who I am today.
