high school athlete
Start writing a post
Sports

To The Athlete Approaching Their Final Game, From A Player Who's Already Played Their Last

Soak every last detail up.

432
To The Athlete Approaching Their Final Game, From A Player Who's Already Played Their Last
Chelsea Edgar

I can assume its been many years of your life being dictated by the sport. Every decision you've ever made has been based on the game that you know and love. Every diet choice, every travel plan, sleep schedules - all decided by the times of games and practices.

It wasn't hard letting the only thing you've ever known consume your life, because it is just that - the only thing you've ever known.

You've spent hours upon hours, days, and nights, training and preparing for the next time you would step on the field, feeling as if it were never going to end. Yet here you are, approaching the last time you will ever slip on the shin guards and lace up your cleats.

It's a bittersweet feeling, one of accomplishment and sorrow.

How could you ever leave the thing that you've known your entire life, behind? How will you know what to do with yourself? You won't. Trust me, it takes quite some time for the fact to set in that you actually don't have anything to do for once and as much as you think you're going to enjoy having some free time, you won't.

So, soak it up. These last few weeks of practice and games, enjoy it.

Remember what it feels like to eat healthy on the morning of a game. Remember what it feels like blasting music on the way to the field. Remember what it feels like sitting in the locker room being badgered by the coaches. Remember what it feels like to fold over your socks and tightened your laces. Remember the sound of the whistle, because you will never again feel the rush as soon as it blows. Allow the sounds of the audience get in your head.

Look around and remember everything that the game has offered you, your entire life.

Although you may not physically be playing, you will always remember the good times and bad that came with dedicating so much time, to a thing you once loved the most. The game has taught you to be motivated and never give up. It has taught you how to conquer your fears and strive for your goals. But most of all, it taught you how to love and put so much time and effort into something that means so much to you.

Make your last game the best and most memorable because as much as you don't think so, you're going to miss it way more than words can explain.

You're going to miss the constant workout, especially when you're sitting in your dorm room fifteen pounds heavier than when you arrived at college. You're going to miss the screaming of your coach because their words actually stuck and pushed you to try harder. You're going to miss the 5 a.m. wake up calls because all the yawns and cold air somehow created the best laughs with your teammates. You're going to miss the stench of wet cleats after sitting in your bag all weekend because that's what you've grown up knowing.

So again, soak it up because it's only been seven months and I miss it more and more every day.

The game will always be a part of who you are because it's made you into the person you are today. Embrace the bad memories just as much as the good ones and realize that you wouldn't be where you are today without it. Laugh from the mistakes that you have made and let them make you into a better person. Smile because of the memories that you will forever hold close to your heart.

But most importantly, be thankful that you have been able to be a part of something as incredible as the teams you have played for.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71243
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133364
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments