When I say controversial, most of you are probably going to think I will say about athletes not standing up to the anthem or about the politics in the USA right now, but this for me, goes on a much deeper, personal level, and what I am about to say is not meant to offend anyone's decisions or hurt any feelings, this is entirely an opinion.
And what that is is one of the biggest things said as a student athlete. "Today was my last first practice/game ever." This is probably one of the most annoying, depressing sayings I have heard in college and I'll firmly stand by my opinion on this topic.
I am one who loves my sport, I could not imagine my life without it. Football (for you Americans I will refer to 'soccer' as football throughout this article) has been such a huge impact on my life. My getaway, my true love, my everything. And because of this, I do not want to let it go. Yes, there will become a time when I HAVE to, but I strongly believe that day is not soon. Whether it be a serious injury or a job, it will take something HUGE to make me quit the game in the close future. And when I say close I'm talking 10 years minimum.
So now this sounds weird to you all probably but with all respect and the love I have for a lot of you who have said the last first day ever quote, I believe the majority of you can do more. It is more the background of it. I do not understand how a lot of individuals can go a lifetime, over half their life typically playing or doing a sport that they say they love, and then come age 22 give it up? I understand you're graduating college, you've had bumps and bruises a long the way and you have a job coming up. But that's the beauty of your keepsake sport, whether it football, baseball, volleyball anything. If you truly love something in life, you find a way to keep it going. That goes for anything and I believe this hell of a lot in sport.
Every day I think about the day I have to finally quit football, but then I reassure myself that day is not soon. Whether it be playing or coaching, I know I will keep myself involved.
I do not want to be cliche or nasty about people's decisions, as I said before, I respect your decision, but if you REALLY love it, I think you can question yourself. Whether it be one night a week you try and play, keep yourself involved. A job will be a lot more stressful than college, and if you don't have your sanctuary to go to what do you think you can do? Because I know when the stress hits, I'm about to be out on the field kicking a ball, and doing what I love.
Hopefully, we can all have a job we love and a life we love. But remember, your biggest love is your sport, so don't drop it whilst you're so young. Find a way to keep it going, because when your sport is in your life, you will love what you do. Although it sounds like prolonging the inevitable, look at the bright side and the happy memories and moments you have from your game, and what it has done to impact who you are, and what you are because of it.
“Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” - Jackie Joyner-Kersee
This quote by Joyner-Kersee, one of the greatest track and field athletes of all time is the biggest reflection of this whole article, and makes all of what has been said go into one quote. You limit yourself. If you want to do it, you will. Just remember that.
What I leave you with though is something different. A lot of you athletes may take offense to this, definitely those who have already finished, but for you approaching this time, has this made you think differently? Do you believe that your sport will carry on for you after college?
