Recently I traveled home and decided to attend a soccer game at my old high school. Up until that moment, I never realized how much I took my high school athletics days for granted. Back then, sports were my life and, in an instant, they were gone. With the overwhelming life I have in college, it is easy to forget how special those memories were, but attending that game brought back to life the empty feeling I once had.
High school athletes are one-of-a-kind. Waking up to be ready for the school bell at 7:05 am was tough, but what made it even more difficult was knowing you wouldn’t be back in bed until the depths of the night. We sit through class all day and after that final bell rings, the field becomes cluttered by students of different abilities.
On the track, someone may be completing their sprint workout while a lacrosse player may be doing a shooting drill. It’s hectic, but, at the same time, unique. Although we play different sports, we are similar in the fact that we love the competition. We love the game.
Now, don’t get us wrong. In the moment, under that bright, hot Florida sun, we would give or do anything to have another water break or a practice that ended early. The best was when the lightning alarm went off right when school ended. To most of us, practice was hell. Being under those stadium lights is what kept us going.
After four years of playing, our bodies were beaten up and exhausted. For most of us, there were a ton of last. Our last practice. Our last time being introduced on the field. Our last time hearing the beautiful notes of the National Anthem surrounded by your team-mates. Your last time putting on that uniform.
After high school graduation, we were excited to start of new lives and in that moment, most of us student-athletes didn’t look back. It isn’t until a couple months later that the nostalgia kicks in. What I am trying to say is don’t take your next practice for granted.
When the coach says go in for the play even if it’s your rest time, listen. Yes, in the moment, you’re hot, thirsty and near to "passing out." I get it because I’ve been there too. But, there is nothing like playing under those stadium lights. There is nothing like team dinners. There is nothing like warming up to that fire pre-game track. There is nothing like high school sports. So, to put it simply, bust your butt every practice and work hard every minute of the game because soon, that jersey will belong to someone else.
And to my high school uniforms, I hope you give the inspiration to other girls to work hard and be tough. I hope they wear you with pride. I will forever remember you #16.
