If you have ever been a part of a team, you know what we're talking about. Teammates go beyond mere acquaintances who you share the playing field with. From your best days, to your worst ones, they were there to witness it all. You spend a ridiculous amount of time together, and you soon have learned their quirks, likes, and dislikes.
As the season progresses, and the years go by in college, spending time with your college team will become one of your most treasured memories. From the sweat and tears to the bickering and laughs, every memory will always hold a special place in your heart. And you will have the pictures (or Snapchats) to prove them too.
Teammates are some of the biggest blessings a person could have. And here are some of the reasons why:
1. Teammates are stuck to you through thick and thin
Whether it is to pick you up during a game, cheer you up about academic-stress, or listen to you rant for hours on end about all the little things in your head. They will be there, present, every time you need them.(Even If you need to study before the tournament starts, lol)
2. Teammates are like a guaranteed support system
One of the best feelings when you are away from your family and childhood friends in college is knowing that someone has your back no matter what. Being apart of a team guarantees you that you have a support system basically 24/7 (Teammates definitely need rest after game-long weekends) at your disposal.
3. Teammates push you to be better
They won't let you quit or settle. Being half-hearted is not an option. You are all in it together for the same common goal. If you waver in your commitment, in the classroom, on the field, or in life in general, you will be called out in a way to help not only the team to work better together but also for your own benefit. Having teammates usually helps make you into a better human being.
4. Teammates are like a snapshot of the workplace
Teammates are all different. They may be shy and quiet or loud and obnoxious, and yet you still need to know how to work well with everyone to reach the team's goals. This will come in handy at whatever your destination after college is, since you will already know how to handle all different types of people.
5. Teammates will be there to make you laugh
Teammates' moods tends to be contagious. If you're not having such a good day, most times, being around people who go out of their way to voice their concern and compassion, helps tons to make your day better. When you are down, they know the ways to cheer you up. Someone out there is looking out for you.
6. Teammates are your biggest confidants
While you may have your best friend out there, teammates become so close to you, it's impossible not to trust them with some of your biggest secrets, worries, and dreams. The best part is having their opinion on these things when making a decision and their sound advice to stop you from doing stupid stuff.
7. Teammates have become one of the reasons you look forward to practice
When you're feeling crappy and in a couch-potato mood, one of the biggest motivators to get you to practice is the relief of knowing that your teammates would be there to bear through the day. Whether you're forced to run a few miles, or keep shooting at a hundred 10 pins, they will be there to grind with you.
8. Teammates never let you feel alone
You're basically like a family. Someone is the mom, always looking out for everyone; there are the twins that are obnoxiously, loud people, and help cheer everyone up, and of course there are the quiet and harmonious few to keep the family in balance...So many different personalities sharing one space that it becomes impossible to feel alone basked in so much warmth.
9. Teammates remind you what's important
At the end of the day, past all the things that have made you and your teammates come together, what truly matters is the strong bonds you have formed. Once you graduate and go on on the next adventure in your life, those relationships will still be there a call away for the same advice, craziness and fun that had permeated your college years. #dontforgetme
Let's face it, you will not remember the exact score of every tournament or game you play in. You won't remember every win and loss. You won't remember the grueling 6am lifting sessions.
However, you will remember the faces of your teammates when you make a huge comeback or (hopefully) win a national championship. You will remember the bus rides that always ended in shared laughs with the people closest to you. And you will remember how each and everyone of your teammates made you feel loved and like you had somewhere where you truly belonged.