To be close with your team is important, but to be close means something else to me. I consider my teammates, my family. We spend so much time together and learn so much about each other in only a few months. Practicing together and making one another a better player and a better person, to me, means you're not only teammates, but you are family. Athletics give athletes so many more life lessons than just lessons on the field, track, court or whatever it may be. These reasons are why I consider my teammates my family.

1. They always have my back, on and off the field.

Whether we are on the sports field or not, my teammates always have my back. They're always there to help me when I need them, whether that's re-defending a fast break or helping me with homework. They care about my well being, and I care about theirs. We make sure we are all OK all around.

2. They build me up when I am down.

If I make a mistake or if I'm having a bad day, my teammates are always there to build me up and make me feel better about something. Sometimes, we all have bad practices or bad game,s but our teammates are there to stay positive and make sure we know it's OK to mess up or to have an off day. They can change a negative mindset to a positive one.

3. We can be competitive one second and best friends the next.

In drills, we can go head to head and want to kill each other over a 50/50 ball, but afterward, we always brush it off and realize sports are sports. We can be playing against each other in practice and be on separate teams trash talking one another, but after it's done, it's like it never happened. That's just the way it works when your teammates are your best friends.

4. They can take my constructive criticism, and I can take theirs.

I always respect what my teammates have to say to me because I know they want what's best for me and the team. Being open to constructive criticism is so important, and giving it can be just as important. Looking out for one another, in the sense of bettering the team, is key. Yet, constructive criticism from these people who care the most about you off the field unrelated to sports is so important. These are some of the people who know you best after spending countless hours with you and seeing you at your best and worst.

5. We always want the best for each other.

My teammates always want the best for me, and I always want the best for them. I don't like to watch my teammate miss a pass, make a bad pass, miss the shot. I want them to do well, and I want them to take their talents as far as they can go. If playing sports outside of high school isn't something they want to do, I respect that. Yet, if it is something they want to do, I'll support them 100 percent.

6. Our job is to make each other look good.

On and off the field, I want to make sure I make my teammates look good. This is so important on the field because every pass, every shot, every reception should make your teammate look good. Making each other look good will make the team, as a whole, look good. Off of the field, I want my teammates to look their best and hold the best reputation they can. I want them to be themselves and show off their best side.

7. We look to each other for support.

If I need help on the field, I know I can always ask my teammates for help, and they can always ask me. Physically, I know they will support my quick decisions on the field, and I will support theirs. Off of the field, I look to my teammates for support in every day struggles, whether it's social or school. I will always support my teammates, no matter what the issue.

8. We don't judge each other when we make mistakes.

When an honest mistake is made, we don't get mad at each other. We are usually pretty forgiving when it comes to that. We always try to build each other up and keep things positive. Off of the field, we all make mistakes, too. Yet, my teammates are there for me, and I am there for them when something in life goes wrong.

9. We celebrate wins and get over losses together.

Wins are preferred, and we all can be happy about it and talk about amazing highlights that went on during the game. Yet, sometimes, we lose, and we have to try and keep each other positive. Sometimes, it feels better just to be sad or mad together and make sure we work harder until we fix what is weak and win the next one. Off of the field, we all have accomplishments like the honor roll, getting accepted to college or meeting someone new. It is fun to get excited about your teammates accomplishments, and it is nice when teammates are excited about mine, as well.

10. We can read each other's minds.

On the field, it almost seems as if we know where every teammate is in every moment. We know when not to pass the ball or when to pass the ball. We know when to rush to the open spot when we see that our teammate needs a pass. We can tell when our teammate is going to take a shot, so we get ready for the rebound. A good team and a close team can anticipate their teammate's next move. We can also tell when someone is upset or when someone is happy about something, which is practically mind reading. This comes in handy when we need to build someone up or celebrate with someone about good news.

11. We will always love each other no matter what.

Through anything, we will always have love for one another. I will never forget my high school teammates because they have impacted my life so much. They make me a better player every single day, and they helped me achieve some of my dreams I set a few years ago. I hope I can do the same for them. My teammates are my family, and they will always be people I hold close to my heart. I love you all!