When an athlete has to hear the words "you're out for the season" it is basically the end of our worlds. Our lives revolve around preparing and being in season, and the moment that is taken away from us, nothing seems to have a purpose. Although we know that is not true, it still is a pretty crappy feeling. We spend the pre-season in workouts, practice and training just so we can be in top shape for the season. But accidents happen or our bodies just can't take it and we are bound to the bench with no shot of making that change.
I have a few things I want athletes in season to know (especially my team) and a few words of motivation for other athletes out for the count.
First, don't take this for granted. I know you are exhausted (not only physically) and you have so much more coming at you... but I would honestly give anything to be out there grinding with you every single day. And in a sense I guess I am... I know I still get up at the crack of dawn for weights with you and I still sit and cheer with you at practice. But I do not feel that this is enough and it kills me. I want to be in it, I want to be involved. So, look forward to practice... You are given the opportunity to do what you love, for the school you love, with the people you love. It's an opportunity not handed to many.
Please know how badly I want to be there out there with you... helping you, supporting you and saving you when you just can't take it anymore. I want to be able to have a chance to fight with you and get those wins we have worked so hard to achieve. I want to be able to yell "COME ON" at the top of my lungs when I win a match... when I win for you guys. But I can't do that and I am sorry.
With that said, the next thing I want you to know is that I am willing to do anything in my power, no matter this injury, to make sure that season is everything we can make it. I will be first at every practice and every game supporting you louder than any other fan. I know exactly what you are going through so know that I want it just as bad as you do.
And just because I am hurt, does not mean I have stopped. I will stay in shape, work hard and recover fast because I want to be out there with you more than anything. Do not think that I have given up, this is just motivating me more. For you guys, I will do anything to get better.
So to all my fellow injured athletes... we got this. We will make it through this and be back stronger than ever. No matter if you're on crutches or in a sling, you are still here and you are still a huge part of your team. Even though we may have no control over our bodies, we have control over our attitudes. And right now, our team needs us to be the most supportive and the most positive. Keep working out what you can, go to treatment, stay in shape, and recover... for your team.
And I know I speak for other injured athletes when I tell my team to keep grinding. Keep fighting. Because this all about to end for us soon and we will miss it more than anything. And it's not fair for us who had it cut short, so don't let that happen to you too. Work hard, play hard.
