Dear young athletes,

As a cheerleader, I live for those Friday night lights and the sound of fans cheering as their team just scored an awesome touchdown and kicked a field goal.

I live for the sound of my Pom Pom's rubbing together as the band plays our fight song. Being able to look around a see the tons of smiles on the faces of the excited crowd, screaming their hearts out for the team on the field / court.

Those moments running behind the football team, hoping not to trip behind all the players when the team just won the game.

Not necessarily just cheerleading, but with any sport.. Have you ever thought what it's gonna be like when you're wearing that uniform, you grew to love for the last time in your high school career?

Heartbreaking to think there will be a time when you step on that court for the last time as a student or scoring your very last touchdown.

If I've learned anything from this being my last year in the sport that I love, I've learned it's okay to cry. It's okay to cry when it's your "first last pep rally" or "last first game."

Freshman year, I thought my senior year was far away. Facing the reality I now see it literally happened in the blink of an eye.

Advice for younger athletes;

Enjoy it. Enjoy that two-hour practice that you think will NEVER end. All your coaches pep talks when they just want to encourage you, to push further and be better for yourself. You will want to smile and try your hardest even when your physical exhausted. It's worth it. Every tear, sweat, and sore muscle believe me, you'll miss it one day.

Camps are one of the hardest weeks all season for you and your team, and you want it to be over. In reality, though, you never want those coaches getting in your faces telling you to keep going, to stop.

Those many football games where you have to stand in the rain and cheer, water running off you as you continue to cheer on your team. You hate it and you wanna go home, but the truth is after it's over you'd do anything to be back there. Anything to feel that rain roll off of your cute pullover.

Whatever you are doing, is most likely your passion. I hope that you live it up to the best of your abilities. Don't go to that party after the game, though, way too much to risk for just that fun night out. But do Take that chance while you are playing. Score that touchdown, throw that backhand spring, and most importantly perform your best because one day, I promise you, that you'll be sad when it gets to come to an end.

Sincerely, a senior athlete.