To the sports I left behind,
As the new school year starts and I move back into my dorm and fall back into my college routine, I can’t help but feel like something has been missing from my life for the past two years. Walking around campus, eating healthy, and gym sessions all helped me stay away from the freshman fifteen last year (beware: it's real), so I don’t know why this void can’t be filled by a good workout-which can lift up any mood.
Going on my phone, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat are full of my high school friends pre-game shenanigans, FNL chants, and game winning plays that will always be remembered. These were my best memories in high school and I don’t think I'm ready to accept that they’re over.
Coming into high school, I didn’t realize the impact my athletics would have on me in the long run. Was I the fastest or strongest athlete? Not at all, but my sports each gave me something that I didn’t realize I would miss until it was gone.
Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you with a ball to the stomach and you still had to run up a field to assist the game-winning goal? Soccer has taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you have to get the wind back into you and keep fighting. Others may be depending on you or you may need to find success on your own. But, no matter what happens you’ll still have a team to lean on for support (and hopefully post-game snacks!)
Trying new things are difficult in any stage of life, but you push through if you want it badly. Even if people are trying to bring you down and don’t believe in you, work hard and you will succeed. That’s what lacrosse taught me. In a single season I went from joining a new sport to being on the varsity team. I never gave up on myself and set goals, which helped me see my progress.
Now both soccer and lacrosse has taught me so much and shaped me into the person I am. However, cheerleading has taught me the most. When you get three to four minutes to prove that your the best, you learn how to show off what you can do and be proud of it. While having a bloody nose and busted lip from getting smacked in the face with a foot, you still need to make sure the rest of the routine gets done with a smile and attitude. Cheerleading taught me that you work hard for months for one chance to prove yourself- you put on a smile, give it as much attitude as you can and act like you are the best. Reward yourself for your months of hard work by giving it your all.
The void of missing high school sports is a hard one to fill. But just hold on to the memories of break-time shenanigans, team sleepovers, and pasta parties and nostalgia will help fill the pain. Once an athlete, always an athlete.
