Together, we seemed unstoppable. You gave me the opportunities to pull myself up from the ashes and create a name for myself and gave me memories that I would be foolish to forget.

I gave you thousands of days of my life and in return, you taught me the importance of practice, dedication, patience, and humility.

We seemed to be through it all together -- the workouts, the pasta parties before games, the pre-game pep talks, the most glorious of wins, and even the soul-crushing loses that seemed to be the end of the world at that time.

Through the blood, sweat, and tears, I found myself within the walls of your facilities (or on the perfectly trimmed grass, carefully combed dirt, chilly water, or even freshly paved ice), and the equipment felt like it belonged within the palms of my hands.

It felt as if time stood still during games, where outside responsibilities and worries ran away as fast as they could.

Over and over, I’d do what I was told to do. The things I practiced became acts of muscle memory. Together, we functioned as one.

Running started to feel like second nature. Hearing the voices of my teammates and coaches sounded like one of my favorite songs played over and over. Blood pumping through my quickly beating heart felt like a marching band taking its victory lap through my chest.

But you were the one to give me the most important thing in the world. You gave me a lifelong bond with my teammates, who have become my forever friends. There’s nothing quite like the bond people form when they’re going through wins and loses together with the same dedicated passion for something.

But, like most things, there was an end for me.

One day, I had to hang up the equipment. I had to walk off the field and say goodbye to the game that made me who I am. I had to remove the word “athlete” from my personal description.

I had to say goodbye to the life that I knew so well. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend.

I still think about you pretty often. I think about you because I still can’t believe how amazing my whole experience was. I learned things that could never be taught between the walls of a classroom, things that would make me a better, more well-rounded person in the future.

I find myself looking at pictures and sometimes awards, feeling accomplished and even a little sad.

I do miss you, but I know all good things must come to an end. There must always be a finish line to cross.

So, while you’re still out there making millions of people happy, our roles have reversed.

I am finally your number one fan. I can finally be here cheering for you.

Thanks for all of the memories and the chances to feel like a superhero for a day.

With love,

Your thankful partner