Dear 24,

Every Friday night when you put on the uniform, making sure that all of your lines match, and lace up your shoes, know that those moments are special. Please understand that the uniform you put on every Friday night was sacred to me at one point. It is more than just material, stitching, and a number; that uniform has seen tears, blood, victories, devastating losses, and a lot of sweat, so please take care of it.

I wore that jersey for 82 games. Nothing can replace the feeling of putting on that jersey for my very first varsity game, which also happened to be the very first high school basketball game as a freshman. I drenched that jersey in sweat for 82 games but I didn't play to my full potential for every game, and I took for granted the little moments out on the court. Learn from my mistake: cherish every moment you get to wear that uniform. You still have games to play. Take advantage of those games and dive for every loose ball, look for every open teammate, pay attention when you're on the bench, listen to your coach, and lift up your teammates because your chances to do these things are running out. That jersey went with me from my very first game to my very last, that jersey was with me from when I thought I was ready to walk away from the game forever to when I never wanted it to end, that jersey was with me on all of the ups and downs of basketball, and I hope it can be there for you too.

My hope is that you learn to love the game as much as I did. I hope that you learn to love and respect the game of basketball and never let anyone take that away from you. I hope that you know that every time you put that jersey on there is a little girl in the stands hoping that she will be just like you someday. Most of all I hope that you learn to care more about the team that surrounds you more than your own glory because that is a lesson that will carry you through life.

I want you to know that I am glad you have chosen my jersey. I hope that that jersey means as much to you as it did to me and that it will go with you on your journey throughout your basketball career. Please enjoy every moment while you still get to wear it out on the court. Some day you will have to watch the seconds tick by as your last game comes to a close and it will all be over. When you have to take the uniform off for the last time, I hope it rips your heart out like it did mine because that means that you loved the game with all your heart and understand what that uniform stands for.

Please love that jersey as much as I did. It all yours now.

Photos courtesy of Tonya Pollart.