To every senior athlete,

Everyone always says that it goes too fast, but we never believe them until its happening. It's your year to have the underclassman spoil you with presents and posters lining the hallway, to have your parents out there on the field with you, to have your coach rattle off all of your accomplishments throughout your career. It's a hard idea to grasp while you're still in season, so cherish every game you have left, especially if you don't know which one will be your last. Soon all of the 90 degree practices, all of the late night away games, all of the bruises, cuts, and the pain of the injuries you kept from coach so you could keep playing are going to be a past tense of your life. You have officially played your last season for your coach, played your last games on your home field, and complained your way through your final preseason. All those years that you've put in from little league to travel teams has gotten you this far, and look at you now.

Much of the significance your sport has come to hold in your life can be traced back to all of the years of support, practices, transportation, and pointers that your families have provided you with. Had they not been there for you from the start of your sports career of bumblebee soccer or flag football, you would not have become the athlete you are now. Bad game or great game, they were always on the sideline for you, even if they were sort of obligated to be your #1 fan. There's no better people to be on your left and right when you're being recognized on your senior night than your parents, they were there at the beginning and most certainly deserve to be there now too.

We all say that we aren't going to cry when our name gets called, but it's one heck of an emotional moment, especially when your teammates or fellow seniors are your best friends. For a lot of us, we've been playing this game for as long as we can remember, so what do next? First, you're practically guaranteed to have at least one breakdown where it hits you: this is it. Some are lucky enough to be able to move on and play at a higher level, whether in college or adult league, but that won't fill the cracks of what finishing your last season on your high school team produces. You gain a new appreciation for the game after this, and there's always the dream to give anything to be able to go back and play again.

Senior night isn't easy, and you certainly won't ever stop missing being able to play, but there is no reason why you shouldn't be proud of yourself for making it as far as you did. The game gave you so many memories that you'll always take pride in, and that is not something you should ever let go of. The game has made you the person you are, and now it's time to use what it has taught you as you wrap up your final season. Don't forget to bring the tissues and a camera, though, because it's the dreaded day that you accept your high school retirement, and it's a tear-filled, hug-encouraged, play your heart out ordeal.

PS- Do whatever it takes to keep your jersey, you'll thank me later.