It seems crazy to think that over a year ago I was standing on that green grass field—wearing my bright yellow jersey—standing with pride as my high school's name was written across my chest. On the back was my favorite. #9. It holds a sentimental value to my family and I. My grandpa, my dad, myself, and now my brother have all worn this number with pride.

So, to the girl wearing that jersey now. Remember how great it feels to wear that number. Remember how many sweat and tears were put into making that number something to be proud of. One day you will be wishing you could do it all again. Putting in hours of practice and spending some of the longest days with your best friends. Yeah, those what seemed like nonstop suicides and never ending diagonal runs may have felt like death, but I would do anything to be able to be that in shape and playing the game again. When you wear that jersey, don't forget the feeling. One day it will be gone, and that jersey will just be your memory.

From the days running off of the field into my dad's arms after scoring the winning goal of the championship game in the 6th grade to only playing intramural in college with my biggest supporter two hours away—life gets a little different. You will learn to miss those after game talks with your dad telling you what you did wrong and what you should improve on. Those great times where you would bond over the fact of how much you both love the game. Even when he would be your coach and be your biggest rival. For all those times, you must wear that number with pride. Because one day, it will be gone.