I returned to my home away from home (college) a few days ago to begin preseason, and I have felt many emotions. I was excited to come back, but I knew I would miss my family. Once I walked in the door and saw my teammates, all of my worries were erased and I was overwhelmed with happiness. These were friends I hadn’t seen in a few months and there was so much catching up to do and so many stories to share. As soon as I saw their faces, I immediately felt at home. Although feeling at home is the most important, I love my team for several reasons. Not only has my team become my second family, they have also taught me several life lessons such as…

1. Be selfless

If you are going to put yourself above the team, then it is pointless to play a team sport. When you have the mindset of playing for other people who you view as your family, it makes the sport a lot more enjoyable. Don’t think about how tired you are; think about how hard you want to work for your teammates so that everyone can be successful.

2. Stay positive

Although it is difficult sometimes, staying positive is key when you’re part of a team. If one person turns into the "negative Nancy," her attitude rubs off on everyone else. If there is too much negativity, the team will collapse and lose connections on and off the field. Encouraging each other is a huge component to a successful team. If a team is not supportive and encouraging, it will fall apart.

3. Patience

If you’ve played a team sport then you know there will be people, whether it be coaches or other teammates, that you really struggle to get along with. I’m sure you have someone in your head right now. Anything this person said or did drove you crazy and you began to despise them, nonetheless. Then when they make a mistake, you automatically lose it. Instead, try taking a step back and encouraging her or think about what you could do in order to show you care.

4. Accountability

On my team, accountability plays a huge role in our program. We each have an accountability partner (AP) that we are “responsible” for. Our job as APs is to make sure we are not only giving our best at practice, but also doing well in our classes and even going down the right path spiritually. Having that accountability helps because you are learning to be honest and work for another person.

5. Be intentional

Go out of your way to make relationships with people who you typically aren’t very close to. If you have ever experienced a preseason, then you know that you spend almost every hour of the day with your team. However, there is still a few players that you don’t leisurely chat with during meals or breaks. Reach out to those few and learn about them. You can’t connect on the field if you can’t connect in a casual setting.

Being on a team is awesome because they become your home away from home. As I have just begun my second year of collegiate soccer, I am so thankful that these awesome girls are a part of my life. Any team will have its ups and downs, but in the end, we stick together. We’re a family, and that’s the best part about being on a team.