So it's your last year of college and you are probably packing up and getting ready to go back to school. Before you know it you will be at school and preseason will be starting. As a senior in college, you realize that this is most likely your last year ever to play your sport unless you go pro (which I'm sorry to say, is highly unlikely). The feeling hasn't hit yet though.
What feeling, you ask? The feeling of not being on a team anymore. The feeling that all the countless hours of hard work you've put in for your sport will finally be coming to an end after your season is over. It may not hit you all at once. There will be certain things that happen during the season that will trigger certain feelings. It's okay to have these feelings. We all do.
But don't forget about all the memories you have made throughout your life of being athlete..
The teammates you have made along the way. The strangers who turned into teammates, teammates that turned into friends and then the friends that turned into family. The people that you met along the way who endeared every tough practice, every exciting win, and even the last second losses with you. You might not stay in touch with every single person you have ever played with, but that's okay. You will remember them and everything you've been through.
Let's not forget about the road trips. Whether it's flying to certain tournaments or driving to games. The nights spent at the hotels in the pool and running around meeting other teams from different states. The nights the whole team stays up late in one room watching movies and just having fun, not having a care in the world. Getting to visit other states with the team and bond during these trips. You get to experience so many different things while traveling with your team.
All of the blood, sweat and tears will now be coming to an end.. well maybe not the tears. This sport that you play was your childhood, your teenage years, and a couple of your adult years. It's going to be different. You won't know what to do with yourself after. It might be weird once your season officially ends, but you can get through it. You will miss the sport. You will be thinking about how your life is going to be different now, but be thankful for everything you've gone through, where your sport has taken you and everything you've learned.
I only have a little advice to give you before you start your final season ever. Have a fun season. Don't stress about the little things. Most importantly, enjoy being with your team for one last time.
