Dear team,

I never thought I would live to see the day I had to turn my back on someone or something I loved. I never imagined being the player who walked off the court one last time, a little earlier than others. The thought of being a "quitter" and abandoning my team is something I have never dreamed of, and I still can't wrap my mind around why I am here today.

Since the first time we stepped on the court together in fifth grade I knew we were in for one hell of a ride. I knew our team was one that would make a difference in this small town in years to come, and that when we finally made it to high school we would be unstoppable. I never doubted our ability to be state champs or bring home some medal to hang in the lobby, I still believe that to this day. I couldn't imagine where we'd be if it weren't for the countless open gyms, travel tournaments, bus rides, and locker room shenanigans. I couldn't imagine where I would be without the group of people who became family so many years ago, and I am sorry for doing what I had to do.

Ever since I can remember basketball has given me nothing but pure bliss, excitement, motivation, courage, passion, and everything amazing and wonderful about being an athlete. This sport has taught me so many things about myself, the game, and just how amazing it is to be an athlete and always having your best friends on the court beside you. One thing I never saw coming would be my passion declining. I never thought I'd see a girl, myself, turning in her uniform early and wiping tears away as she asks herself if she made the right decision. I never thought I'd lose my drive to become a better athlete, person, or teammate until it actually happened.

I just want to start by saying this isn't any of your guys fault that I am where I am today. If it weren't for you girls I would've walked away months ago, but you're my family and I never wanted to let you girls down. Although I may have let you girls down, I hope you hear me out. I didn't walk away because my love for the sport diminished, I simply did it for my own well-being. Despite how much I wanted to stay and fight with you all, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Despite how much I wanted to finish my last season with the team I care about the most, I know I'm doing the right thing.

It hurts me to think that I'll no longer be apart of bus rides, locker room craziness, and even every day practices. It hurts me to think that I let my team, my family, down. It hurts knowing that when I left the court for the last time I hurt other people in the process and I apologize for it. Despite the circumstances, there's a few things I want you girls to keep in mind:

1) You're worthy.

2) You can achieve anything you set your minds to.

3) Don't let someone belittle you or make you feel like something you're not, because I can promise you're better than that.

4) Love each other, because leaving a team behind is harder than anything you'll leave behind when you graduate.

5)I will always support you girls no matter the circumstances.

I love you girls and I am forever thankful I got the opportunity to call you guys my team and my family for the past eight years. I will always be your biggest fans.

xoxox Tym