Starting young, sports are something you try out to find which one interest you more. Some people find theirs early and stick with it, some play more than one, and some don’t play sports at all. There are many different sports out there and even though playing more than one, I fell in love with you. I apologize, that I left you behind.

I dedicated a lot of time, energy, effort, heart, and emotion to you. I gave up my weeknights for practice and my weekends for tournaments. Until I was sixteen, my parents dedicated many miles on their car to get me to the out of state tourneys. I stayed later after practice to gain more practice. Off days were not an option. We spent a lot of time together, you saw me at my worst and my best. Throughout the many games as a kid, I never thought I would be giving up this sport forever. Growing up, you discover that school gets harder and your extra practice days turn into homework nights. As a dedicated twelve year old, nothing would have ever gotten in the way of you and I. Priorities start to change and life begins to throw curve balls (no pun intended) that get in the way of things, such as sports. When I look back at all the superb times we shared, it brings an overwhelming flow of emotion that is indescribable. You were my get-a-way, my scapegoat to the real world, my only priority. Not only did I gain teammates that soon turned into best friends for life, you gave me insight to coaches that taught me how to play the game of the sport, and life. This sport has taught me more than just what it takes to stay in shape, drink more water, and give it my all. It taught me to ‘go big or go home’, never give up, and sometimes we lose in games and life, but that isn’t the end.

Never did I imagine that my last game I played would actually be my last. Putting on that jersey with my name and number on the back, lacing my shoes to the perfect tightness, and listening to my pre-game music, would I have thought it was about to end. If I were to go back now and play, it wouldn’t be the same, but I sure would give my all. I want to thank you, for all the memories, emotions, time, effort and overall heart that you made me pour into you. I wouldn’t have wanted to fall in love or leave any other sport.

Good game.