Dear high school teammates,

I want to start this off by saying nothing but thank you. Thank you for going through all four years of high school with me and for becoming my second family.

Going into high school it's hard to know what to expect; high school is a big transition from middle school and I knew it would be a time that I would go through a lot of unexpected situations. Having you guys there from my first day of high school all the way up until my last day of high school made everything so much simpler. From being a freshman on the team and always looking to the upperclassman for advice, to becoming an upperclassman and always looking out for your freshman was one of the greatest things.

I want to thank you for all of the times that I came to practice in a bad mood after a horrible day at school, but was immediately taken out of that mood. There's something about being surrounded by teammates who love you and understand whatever it is you're going through that was always so comforting.

I also want to thank you for the countless memories we made in our four years together. From practices every week and weekend, to games, competitions, events, fundraisers, team sleepovers or rituals, and even just hang outs. You guys became my second family. The times we would win and it would be the best feeling in the world knowing that all of our hard work paid off, to the times that we wouldn't do so well and we had to deal with the awkward bus ride home where everyone was pissed off and didn't speak a word until we pulled back into the school parking lot. From game days where the whole school would be in the most amazing spirit, to pep rally, senior night, pasta parties and other fun events. I'm so happy I got to go through it all with you.

I want to say thank you for all of the lessons I learned throughout my time on our team. Being on this team taught me how to work with people of different ages, abilities and maturity levels, as well as how to adapt to different situations. I also learned that no matter what, you always have to put in the most effort you can, even if the odds of coming out on top are slim. Success comes in different sizes and doesn’t always have to mean winning first place in a competition or winning the game.

We went through everything together. We went through break-ups together, failing classes and obnoxious teachers together, stupid team rules, laughs, friendship fights, team drama, and yes, sometimes even bled together. I want to say thank you for all of it.

I don't know what high school would have been like without you. Thank you for giving me some of the greatest memories and times of my life. I love looking at pictures of all of you and seeing where your lives have gone since we've been on a team together. I am so proud of each and every one of you for everything you're accomplishing and love catching up with you from time to time. Thank you for everything.

I don't know what high school would have been without you.

With love always,

Your former team member.