As a long-time sports fan and current college student athlete, sports have had a lasting impact on my life. And as much as I love college sports and will always cherish the experiences I've had at the collegiate level, high school athletics will always have a special place in my heart. To me, high school sports will always be the "glory days" and it was during those times I made memories and friendships that I will never forget.
Here is a list of 25 things us high school athletes miss dearly and wish we could re-live:
1. Being on a team with some of your closest friends
2. Wearing your jersey to school on game day
3. Constantly discussing upcoming games with teachers
4. Post-win bus rides
5. Creating the perfect warm-up playlist
6. Hating everything about your rival school
7. Listening to pre-game music in the locker room (always having that one song that pumps everyone up)
8. Post-game locker room celebrations after a win
9. Suffering through two-a-day practices with your best friends
10. Looking up to upperclassmen as a freshman
11. Getting your locker decorated and gift baskets during Homecoming week (thank you cheerleaders)
12. The Homecoming pep rally
13. Team dinners the night before a game
14. Working out with the team 24/7
15. Seeing your name and picture in the local newspaper
16. Scouting the best players on other teams (thank you Hudl)
17. Having that one friend that knows the stats of all of the best players in your league
18. Seeing your friends and family in the stands
19. Feeling a sense of community; playing for your town
20. Post-game meals at the local pub
21. Weird game-day superstitions (i.e. always wearing the same crop top underneath my pads on game-day)
22. Having your name announced over the loudspeaker
23. Friday night football games
24. High school all-star games
25. Always discussing the newest cleats
To my current high school athletes: cherish the moments and live in the now. High school sports truly are the purest form of competition in which you don't only play for each of your teammates but for your community. The bonds you make during high school athletics will impact you forever and you'll cherish those memories for the rest of your life.
