To every game, match, set, race, and meet I've participated in--Thank you.

Yeah, I know, this all sounds a little cheesy. But anyway, thank you for being there since before I even went to school, and being a huge part of my life. Thank you because during all these years of organized athletics, I have learned much more than a thing or two about myself and about life.

Thank you for teaching me about the importance of teamwork (duh).

The most obvious one. Because sometimes you're going to have to interact and work with people that you may have not have stuff in common with, or don't get along with that well. But working together no matter what is the kind of thing that can make big goals become attainable. Thank you for teaching me about selflessness, on and off the field.

Thank you for challenging me, so I know how mentally tough I am.

For all the sprints I didn't think I could do one more of. One more lap of a meet, and pushing hard for that one last point or goal to break the tie. For teaching me that truly, when the going gets hard, the tough get going, and that if I really put my mind to something and work for it, I can achieve and excel.

Thank you for teaching me that hard work pays off.

That things won't be handed to me on a silver platter, and that if I want to see results, it won't be easy. For teaching me that wanting better skills means more reps outside of practice. That the perfect shot is going to take more practice than ever to be perfect. Thank you for teaching me that to be great, you have to give it all you've got.

And lastly, thank you for giving me some of the best pastimes over these years.

For the places that help to let everything else go, like school, drama, and anything. For allowing me to play and do the sports that I have loved and still love to this day. Thanks for the years of sports past and to come, and for teaching me to never, ever give up.

P.S.--Also thanks a lot for giving us all the great sports movies, though I know there are so many more than I could use in these GIFs.