To the athlete whose season ended early,

I know what it feels like when the doctor tells you that your season has ended, even though there is still a month or so left. I have been there, twice, and know how much it stinks. I am sorry. I know those words will be said frequently to you by friends, family, and others, but they will just go in one ear and out the other.

It stinks. It stinks to watch your teammates work so hard day in and day out while you sit in a chair on the side. It stinks to watch them exhausted in games and practices with one less sub to allow them to catch their breathe. You want to be out there with them and would give anything to be, you'll tell your team that over and over again and hope they know it.

Right now it seems like your season ending is the worst thing that could happen. While it sucks and may feel like the end of the world, your world has not ended. You will go to bed and wake up tomorrow morning. You may be on crutches, but you are still able to walk. You may have a hideous brace or cast, but that will come off. In the end you will be ok.

You are allowed to be frustrated, upset, and any other emotion you want, but you also have to be positive. Your season may have personally ended, but your team still has season left. Be there for them. Encourage them, push them, and motivate them. Continue to be their teammate, but also be their biggest cheerleader. Keep your head up. When you do everything that the doctor and athletic trainers have told you to do but still hurt, keep your head up. When you're sitting on the sideline during practice and want to jump into the next drill, keep your head up.

Right now there is nothing you can do except what you are told in order to prepare for the next day, next doctor appointment, next x-ray, next rehab, and ultimately next season.