Every high school athlete experiences a moment of stark realization at the end of their athletic career, that this may be the last time they will stand on the field, court or ice and it will actually count for something. It is an earth-shattering feeling. Sure, there are intramurals and club teams in college, but it is the last time an athlete will stand in a familiar spot surrounded by teammates who have turned into family, supported by coaches who have become mentors, in front of classmates who have become fans, in an arena or at a field that has become a second home.

The experience of high school athletics is unlike any other. The concept of pushing oneself to their physical limits every day for four years for it to all be over so abruptly seems insane. To pour one’s heart and soul into getting faster, stronger and smarter for it to just one day not matter anymore?

When put in black and white it is a difficult concept to understand; however, I would not give up a second of my experience as a high school athlete for the world. The lessons I’ve learned on the field and on the ice have made me the person I am today.

Thanks to the many different teammates I’ve had over the course of high school I’ve learned how to communicate and find common ground with others despite our differences. Because of the amazing coaches I’ve had, I learned what it means to be a leader and a motivator. Courtesy of the coaches I may have not gotten along with as well, I learned the importance of respecting people even though not necessarily seeing eye to eye with them.

Because I’ve been fortunate enough to be a member of a team, I learned what it’s like to be a part of something bigger than myself, to look beyond my own needs and do what is the best for the greater good. Beyond that, high school sports taught me how to be disciplined, dedicated and responsible.

After reflecting on my experience as a high school athlete, I realized it’s OK to be “washed up” because that means at one point you got the chance to experience one of the most formative, educational, inspiring and enjoyable opportunities of a lifetime. So the next time the thought crosses your head that you are a washed up athlete, take pride in the fact that you gave everything you had to a game that will always be a part of your life.