It's mind against body. It's the individual effort and the teamwork. It's the long and exhausting hours of sweat, work, and possible tears being put in. It's the injuries and the pain. It's the final event, it's game time, and it's the moment of truth. This is the world of being on a sports team... And this is what I miss beyond belief.
I knew that when I went off to college I was going to miss the experience of being on a sports team, but I did not realize that I would miss it this much. Back in high school, I played basketball, I ran cross country, and I threw for track. I became used to the crazy schedule of being an athlete. It was normal not to come home until dinner time or later. It was normal to have games and meets on weekdays and still be expected to get my homework done. I did not have time for a job because I was yearbook editor and had AP classes to go along with my sports, but I got used to my busy life, and I would never have given up those sports for anything. Plus, having to balance all of these aspects of my life gave me really good experience with time management. Being on a team was much more than just playing a sport; it taught a lot of life lessons as well.
A few of the other life lessons that came from sports was: how to work well with others, communication, dedication, pushing yourself, being on time, self-improvement, coach-ability, responsibility, and more. You see, sports were about more than just the game. The coaches were there to not only make you better as an athlete, but to also make you better as a person. From my experience, I would say that being on a sports team played a major role in making me the person I am today.
Unfortunately, now that I am in college, I do not have the time to play a sport and be on a team. I was good enough to throw the discus in college, but I simply do not have the time. Between going to school, being an art major, and working three jobs, there is just no space to go to practice everyday and travel as much as would be necessary. I have been a part of a few intramural sports this year, but it is just not the same. Intramural sports is almost the same as simply meeting up with friends and playing a game. There is not really any practice involved with it, and it is pretty much just for fun.
What I miss the most is being on a team, working hard, and seeing results. Those results are something that made me feel successful and accomplished. I do not mean to be a "downer" about this, but it is just a huge part of my life that seems like it is over now. I miss it and I miss my coaches who gave so much of their time and knowledge to me. I want to thank them for everything that they did for me and for everything that they have taught me. Being on those teams was an experience that I will never forget and will always be grateful for!
Overall, just enjoy those moments of your life as they last. You won't realize how much they mean to you until they are over, but I promise you that they are important. Appreciate your coaches and take in every moment of the experience. Be the best that you can be and put in the work! The results are something to be truly proud of.
