“Jocks”- the stereotypical kings and queens of the school yard everyone knows and [for the most part] loves. Ranging from Troy Bolton to everyone’s favorite boys of the Dillion Panthers’s lineup (from my personal favorite binge watcher Friday Night Lights), we've seen them everywhere. We’ve all heard heartbreaker Troy sing about how glamorous the life of the star athlete isn’t really all that glamorous. We athletes are all too familiar with the daily grind that accompanies athletics, and know that singing through the hallways and cafeterias is not really the best coping mechanism in reality, much to my dismay. My fellow student-athletes, I’m here to tell you, though High School Musical may slightly depict the daily hustle and bustle of our chaotic lives, I promise you I get it. So without further adue here are some words for you…

Dear Student Athlete,

Are you tired from this past week of workouts and practice, or (if you were so fortunate) both on the same day? Are you exhausted from spending countless hours in the library or at your desk studying diligently with your choice of caffeine beside you to keep you going? How about those newly acquired calluses slowly darkening and toughing on the palms of your hands reminding you of your time spent in the weight room? If you answered yes to any of the afore mentioned, and know all too well the feeling of sandpaper-like hands, you are a student athlete.

Are you feeling discouraged from a less than stellar game, match, or meet that may have even resulted in a loss? Perhaps, you are even feeling hopeless as you spent the entire game on the bench only to watch your comrades go into battle from the sidelines? In spite of the transpiration of such events, however, you get up, brush yourself off, and move on, still hungry for more. You do this because you know the earth will continue to spin, the sun will rise again tomorrow, and the promise of a new day awaits along with the chance of redemption. Why would anyone put themselves through such heartbreak, though, especially when the uncertainty of the future of your career hangs in the balance? The answer to such a complex questions is surprisingly simple. You love what you do. Period.

The love of your sport continues to drive your relentless quest for excellence and perfection, and continually stokes the fire of passion for the sport you love that burns deep within your heart. The highs of your career may be fewer in number than the lows, but it is the intensity of those highs, be it great or small, that burns bright in the back of your mind, serving as a constant reminder as to why you do indeed love being a student-athlete.

Whether you’re a student-athlete just starting out your career fresh and full of promise, or you are veteran competing at the highest level possible, you all have one thing in common- a magnificently strong passion for the game you play. Always remember, no matter how down you may become, or how drained you may feel, you are all bonded by this love, and through this love you share tremendous admiration and respect for one another- after all that is sportsmanship in the most basic sense of the word. Stay strong, my friends, keep the faith and most importantly, stay humble.

Love your fellow athlete,

Paige

Collegiate Softball player