To My College Team,

Some say you're supposed to put your life before sports but obviously I didn't listen. My whole world was revolved around dance. I was very fortunate to find my passion at such a young age. I started dancing when I was just two years old and right away I knew this is what I was going to do with the rest of my life. When I was about seven years old I decided it was time to take the next step in my dance career and joined the competition team. Seventeen years later I'm proud to say that day changed my life forever. Sadly I finished my competition days my senior year of high school. Competition was everything I lived for; the competitiveness, the wins, the scores, the drive and adrenaline. I wish I never had to stop. Soon college came around, I decided to attend the University of Hartford in Hartford, CT. I was all moved into my freshman dorm, in a different state with different faces and the first thing I asked myself was, "When are dance team tryouts?" Up until the day of tryouts I found a place for me to dance and that is what I did for hours on end. Finally, it was the night I had been waiting for. My friend Alyssa and I were sitting on our couch just staring at our phones. At around twelve thirty at night we finally got the calls we were waiting for. We were both officially members of the University of Hartford Dance Team. Freshman year, I was so thankful for the opportunity to be apart of such an amazing team. As the year came to an end, we were so grateful to find out for the following season we were finally becoming a sport at the University. At our Spirit Team banquet a couple awards were given out, I was awarded Most Dedicated and I couldn't have been happier my hard work went noticed. We were also introduced to our new amazing coach, Coach Ward. At the banquet she introduced her new captains for the following year. When she called my name there was no better feeling. I was so proud and thankful for the opportunity. Sophomore year came along and it was finally the year I was waiting for! We had an amazing coach and I was also working with two other amazing captains. The season started out to a great start until it took a turn for a worse. Due to health reasons I had to leave the University. I was devastated to leave my team behind. I couldn't even believe this was happening. I felt as if my whole life was crashing down. To the girls I looked up to first coming on the team, to the girls I made the team with, to the girls who became my best friends.... I just wanted to say thank you. I want you all to know how much I love you and how proud I am. Thank you for showing me what a team is all about. Thank you for letting me share my passion with you. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face especially on the days I needed it the most. Thank you for the life lessons. Thank you for the friendships that turned into lifelong ones. Thank you for the amazing memories I will cherish forever. If I could've taught you anything, I hope it's that tomorrow is never promised. In an instant, your life can change. Chase your dreams and never lose sight on what you want in life. Also, please don't take dance for granted. Take every correction, every compliment, every practice and every game to heart. One day there's gonna be a time when you're putting on your jazz shoes and getting ready for a game for the last time and you're going to wish you enjoyed all those little things and moments a little more. You can't dance forever so don't lose the passion before it's gone. Live in the moments and enjoy the ride! I can not say enough how proud I am of you girls. To my coach, thank you for absolutely everything, but most importantly, thank you for believing in me and for giving me this amazing opportunity. Thank you all for making my short year so perfect. Enjoy the ride and make me proud! Here's to an amazing season.....Go Hawks!

Sincerely,

Your Number 1 Fan Always