The worst mistake is to tell an athlete that their sport is "just a game," because sports are much more than a game to them. It is more of a lifestyle. As an athlete, we know our lifestyle could be more simple without all the hustle and bustle of a sport, but we continue to play because we have a burning passion for it. Here are a few of the struggles that athletes everywhere can relate to.

1. When coach says "get on the line"

2. When the officials are not on the same page as you

3. Explaining/talking sports with a non-athlete

4. Hitting every note in the National Anthem before a game

5. Calling your professor Coach by accident

6. Developing that atrocious Nike sock tan line

7. When you lose an important game

8. Falling asleep and then the hammy cramps up for the next 10 minutes

9. Balancing sports and grades

10. Standing up and realizing your joints sound like rice crispies. Snap. Crackle. Pop.

11. Trying to walk after conditioning days

12. Drinking Gatorade instead of alcohol on the weekends

13. Having your first name being forgotten and replaced by your last name

14. Missing events because of practice

15. When your coach compares your speed to her dead grandma with one leg

16. Being tired 24/8