So teammates are great, right? College teammates are even better. They know the passion that lies behind playing a sport for 14+ years, and the struggle of playing while leaving home for the first time. I have a teammate who became one of my best friends, as I'm sure most of you do. This is a letter to her and teammates everywhere who became best friends.
Dear You,
I love you a lot. You helped me become a better player and a more tolerable woman. Thank you for being the mom of our team, but liking me the best— even through my annoying times.
Remember that guy who sucks but I really liked him, and you told me it was a bad idea, but I liked him anyway? Well, when he hurt my heart you helped me delete his number. Thank you! It means the world that we did that together because I was not strong enough to do it alone. That was dumb. He’s dumb. You’re not dumb.
Thank you for being real about when I had a bad game or practice. It was hard to hear, but in the long run I really benefited from it. Thank you for being annoyed by the teammates who also annoyed me.
I sometimes forget that we were teammates because we made the majority of our memories outside of soccer. Sometimes you were mean on the field-- to me even-- and it wasn't fun, but then again, we are all a little mean when winning becomes the goal. At the same time though, you got me through the seasons and off seasons. I am forever grateful.
You have taught me how to be a friend who is truthful but loving. You point out things that only a good friend would point out. You yell at me when I am being dumb. It is awful and hilarious and very much needed. I can be dumb...often. You celebrate with me when the accomplishments are big, and when they're small.
Thank you for having my back when most everybody left. We all know that was a struggle. You dislike the sucky people in my life more than I do, even though you had zero reason to. #friendgoals #bestiesfortheresties
Thank you for allowing me to be the Tinker Bell of our friendship (needy, attention-or-I-die-type). I’m sorry we live in different states because I moved, but thank you for the 24/7 support.
Though we live far away from each other, we stay connected and talk about stuff as if nothing has changed, when in fact, everything has. I am so grateful that I went to a school miles away because it gave me you. You are so great!
Most importantly: thank you for loving me despite that you have seen me ugly cry.
Love,
Me
