I know you probably think I'm your bossy older sister who doesn't know anything, but hear me out. You might not think it now but I know a little bit about this subject. As a former athlete who played the last game of the game I loved, listen to me.
It's your last season playing the sport you love. You are on the Varsity Soccer team with all of your friends for the last time. Enjoy every second you can. Take every shot at practice, run as quick as you can down the field, and even score a few goals. Have the time of your life with your friends. Play with confidence and play your little heart out. You won't regret it. Be able to walk off of the field your final game and realize you did the best you could leaving everything out on the field.
Before your final game, remember who you went down this journey with. Remember the blood, sweat, and tears into the making of the great player you have become. Remember waking up at 6 in the morning just to go practice with your friends during the summer, or remember the summer leagues. Thank your friends for being there with you the whole journey, the parents and grandparents that have supported you along the way, and even thank your coaches that have mentored you throughout the seasons.
You will never forget your final game with your team. The feel, the aroma, the crowd, playing under the lights, or celebrating with your teammates for the hopeful win.
Looking back on my high school career for sports, I regret not giving my all in each practice and not being as close to my team as I could have been. After high school, you will miss the practices. Call me crazy but you will miss going to practice and even miss running the suicides for conditioning.
Don't be sad when it's over, rather be happy with all you have accomplished. I am so proud of how far you have come, even if you don't believe me. I will miss keeping score at every game and I will so dearly miss watching you play every Tuesday and Thursday, so please enjoy the rest of your season and have the time of your life on the field.
Love,
Your bossy older sister