To My High School Soccer Team,
It has been about two years since I last stepped on that field with you all. I want you all to know how much I miss it: our team, our sport, our family. After every practice, we would gather in a group, reach our hands in together, and yell “family” as a unit. I did not realize until I entered college how much truth there was in that one word. Yes, we didn’t always get along, but what family does? Looking back, I cherish every moment spent with you all. Whether we were on the field at practice, struggling to get ourselves to morning conditioning in the summer months, or hanging out at team dinners, we went through it all together.
Freshman year began with JV: playing forward and learning how all my new team members worked. Sophomore year came after a hard winter season of lifting and conditioning. I was probably in the best shape I had ever been (sure better than the shape I am in now!). Running 25 to 30 miles a week in fall cross country season didn’t hurt either. Junior year was my favorite year, and it was exciting to see how the new team dynamic worked out. We all worked hard and though we didn't make it as far as we did sophomore year, it was still a great experience. Senior year was my last year playing with you all, obviously, so it was more emotional than all the other years. I had fun, but I didn't realize that I only had one more year of soccer in my career. So I took it all for granted, and didn't appreciate it as much as I should have.
A word of advice to those still in high school, maybe even considering playing in college. Don't take any of your time in high school for granted, especially not in sports. You're playing with the friends you grew up with, the people who have shaped you into the person you are today.
I made some of my best friends through soccer. Even if we weren’t super close, I think that each individual one of you has made a difference in my life, and I hope I had a positive influence on your life as well. Though I don’t talk to many of you anymore, I appreciate the impact you had on my life throughout the four years of high school. I hope that you all know that I’d be down to play a pick-up game anytime, although I’m sure those still in high school would have the upper-hand on those of us who haven’t touched a soccer ball competitively in a while!
All I can say is, always see and appreciate the things you have right in front of you. Even if it is the defender that you have been running against for the last 65 minutes of the game. One day you will no longer be playing soccer, and that burning feeling in your legs as you sprint to get the ball, the exhilaration as you score a goal or prevent the scoring of a goal (can't forget the defenders!). That feeling won't be there anymore, so appreciate it while it lasts.
Love always,
Kate
