The night my school’s football team lost in the second round of playoffs, I was heartbroken. I had been covering their games for my school paper, and somewhere in the process I got emotionally attached to the job and team.
One moment, I was wildly cheering from the sidelines. The next, I was staring at the scoreboard that had betrayed me, slack-jawed and suddenly unsure of what my next move would be.
If that was my reaction to the end of the season, I couldn’t imagine what the players-specifically the seniors-were feeling. Sure enough, when I looked back on the field the boys were giving each other handshakes while trying to hold back tears.
I, on the other hand, couldn’t stop myself from turning into a sobbing, blubbering mess. I would consider this one of the low points of my eighteen years.
Fall sports at the high school level are coming to a close. Before we know it, the winter and spring seasons will have ended as well. Senior athletes will have to find contentment in a life without their sport.
For most, this is easier said than done. I still remember my last softball game like it was yesterday. I played tense all seven innings because I couldn’t help but wonder if this would be my last time running the bases, hitting a line drive or catching the ball. Here are some tips that would’ve helped me get through the end of my athletic career much more smoothly:
1. Give thanks for your experience
One of my favorite quotes was said by Dr. Suess:
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
If you’re upset because your season has come to a close, that’s actually a good sign. This reaction is the result of having a good experience–the only reason we feel sadness is because we had something to be happy about.
2. Take comfort in your teammates
All of your teammates are going through the end of their high school sports careers as well. Nobody has to suffer alone, so talk to each other.
The best thing you can do as a teammate is show your friends everything they have to look forward to beyond their sport and high school. We can’t live in a stadium forever, and I promise there are so many opportunities outside the glow of Friday Night Lights.
3. Remember the good times
Nostalgia is one of the most powerful human emotions. There is no shame in taking a few moments to remember that time you scored a touchdown, hit a homerun, or made a winning shot. In fact, rehashing positive experiences from your past may give you the comfort you need to keep moving forward in life.
4. Set new goals
Being a high school athlete can become all-consuming. So when your plate finally clears, do all of the things you’ve been putting off.
If sports were your main motivation, try different things to see what sparks ambition and passion in you once again.
When I no longer had softball to occupy my time, I had to branch out. I was able to fill the softball-sized void in my heart with new things like journalism and my school’s speech team. Looking back, I had to leave softball behind in order to find activities that make me even happier.
5. Stay in the sports world
Just because high school sports are no longer an option doesn’t mean you have to abandon the sport completely. Find adult recreational leagues to participate in. Become a referee and get paid to officiate games. Go to sporting events hosted by your college. Or find a youth organization and become a coach.
Even though you won’t find me on a field anymore, I’m still an avid sports fan. Watching games and wearing my team’s spirit wear allows me to stay connected with the sports world.
The most important thing to remember is that we aren’t defined by what sports we do or don’t play. There are things worth living for that don’t involve balls and cleats, and you should try to find joy in exploring new passions.
Understand that sports can help shape who we are, but they don’t make us who we are. Take all of the things you learned from being a high school athlete and use them to succeed in your future.
You may be retiring your jersey, but your journey is far from over.
