"Although the road ahead was long
I was too weak to carry on
You picked me up, you were my home
I never stood alone" -Christina Aguilera

To the teammates I left behind,

Going away to college, I have missed many things: homemade dinners, school dances, football games, but number one on the list has always been you guys, my old team. For as much complaining there was for never-ending practices, long hours of conditioning, and forced team bonding activities, I wish more than anything that I could relive these moments with you all. Here are a few things that I am so thankful for:

Thank you for always making me laugh:

I could always count a good laugh from all of you at the end of a rough day.

Thank you for encouraging me no matter what:

Occasionally, I would put myself down for not excelling at a skill. Thank you for supporting me in whatever I put my mind to.

Thank you for being a friend in and out of practice:

What better friends are there than your teammates? Thanks for sitting with me at lunch, listening to rants about practice, and everything in between.

Thank you for allowing me a break from reality:

School, home life, and other stresses took a toll on my teenage years. I always knew that coming to practice would brighten my day because of you all. I am very thankful to have had you as my support system through everything.

Thank you for holding me accountable for my actions:

Nothing is more irritating than teammates who blame everyone but themselves. Thanks for teaching me the lesson of owning up to my mistakes and helping me achieve the next time.

Thank you for pushing me to my limits:

Sometimes, I would forget that I was a part of a team, and that how I performed would affect the big picture. Thanks for reminding me to put in my best effort every detail, every day, every time.

Thank you for picking me up when I fell:

You all were the first people to brush the dust off and give constructive criticism for future attempts every time I failed. Thank you for being such great advice-givers.

Thank you for sharing this passion with me:

For understanding the sport and for knowing how much it meant to me. Thank you for being dedicated and sharing a common goal that would be eventually achieved.

Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today:

It sounds cliche, but I would not be who I am today without you all. Every one of you have such a special talent that has positively impacted my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you for letting me come back to cheer you on:

Thank you for allowing me to help during practices and letting me witness you carry on a tradition of history-making teams. Thanks for letting me be a part of this, even from hundreds of miles away.