As another school year's end approaches, I can’t help but think back to high school and remember my senior year — a year full of last times and memories that I will never forget. I also remember the heartbreak of my athletic career ending. I remember how terrible I felt leaving that night, knowing I would never put on my uniform again. I also remember being so jealous of anyone younger than me that had extra time. At that point, I would have done anything for one more game. All good things must come to an end, and high school sports is one of them, but on the bright side, though, I can tell you a few things, being 3 years removed from my last high school sporting event.
You won’t feel devastated forever
Right now, it seems like that pit in your stomach will never go away — like that sick feeling you get when you think about your sport will always be there no matter what. I’m here to tell you it won’t. One day, not overnight, but one day, you’ll wake up and not feel as bad, and every day after will get easier.
The memories really are awesome
When you’re still in the moment, memories seem like a far-off, unimportant thing. Older people always tell you how “one day” you will treasure the memories, and you blow them off because “one day” seems forever away, and then, it’s not. Once you graduate you realize how precious each and every picture, inside joke, and every teammate you ever had was, you realize that while you can no longer play the sport you love, you still feel connected because of the memories you have, and that helps with the moving on part.
You’ll always love the sport
No matter how long, you’ll always love whatever sport or sports you played. It never gets old to you, and being around others participating will one day make you so happy to know that other kids have the same love you did/do for that sport. Right now, you may think your whole life will always revolve around the sport you loved, but one day you’ll have a job, college, or even a family to worry about, and the sports you played in high school won’t be at the top of your priorities anymore.
You’ll move on to bigger and better things
This one was the hardest for me to process. In the moment, I felt like I would never love anything as much as I loved cheerleading. I thought I would always have this bond with any other cheerleader I met for the rest of my life because that was MY sport. Three years down the road, I don’t think about cheerleading much. I still tumble occasionally just to challenge myself. I watch cheerleading videos on YouTube sometimes but not all day every day like I imagined I would. I have found that even though I love it, I have more important things to take care of now. You will find new things that interest you and make new friends that will help you find new interests and help you find your new favorite activity.
The heartbreak is real, but it will pass. There are new, exciting opportunities waiting for you just around the corner, and one day, you’ll look back and realize that part of high school ending and moving on to college or new jobs is moving on from high sports as well. It all works out in the end, and you always have the memories to look back on, which is awesome.
If you ever feel extra sad, text an old teammate or look through pictures, and I can guarantee it is an awesome walk down memory lane!
