As seniors approach their impending graduation, they face a lot of important goodbyes. High school classes, teachers, friends, homecoming, student sections, banquets, lunch tables, and even their lockers; small details that have constructed the framework of their individualized high school experience.
For many students, athletics make up at least some of that intricate framework.
“I played baseball and hockey, and both were a ton of fun,” said senior Brady Linamen. “I made many memories that I will never forget.”
As for me, I am a three-sport athlete who participated in volleyball, basketball, and track & field, so I could not even begin to describe the number of memories I have from high school tied to sports in one way or another.
“I did cheerleading and track. Track was my favorite, for sure. My favorite memories are making it to WPIALS all four years and breaking the 4×1 school record,” said senior Aubry Savannah. “I went to WPIALS for the 4×1 all four years, and in junior and senior year, I made it for the 100m and 200m dash as well.”
Despite the good memories and successful performances among seniors, many are not continuing their athletic careers in the post-secondary.
“I played volleyball, and I honestly just didn’t think I had the passion to continue playing in college,” said senior Delaney Andrews.
Different people made this decision for different reasons. Whereas some don’t have the passion, some don’t have the time. I have been a three-sport athlete since 3rd grade, which is a long time to devote to athletics, and I think I need to find out who I am without such strict parameters on my extracurricular time. I feel I’ve spent the greater part of my life at practices or games.
“I wanted to be able to enjoy college and focus on my major. I didn’t want a strict schedule,” said Savannah. “I considered running at IUP towards the end of junior year track season.”
Time was definitely a factor in my decision not to continue athletics in college as well. Collegiate-level athletics are a huge time commitment. While it can be bittersweet to step onto the field/track/court/pool one last time, I think most seniors who are finally going to be rocking the NARP (Non-Athletic Regular Person) life are excited about all this newfound time.
“I decided not to play sports in college so I can pursue an aviation career,” said Linamen.
There are definitely some downsides to making the decision to end your athletic career.
“I’ll miss the friendships I made the most,” said Andrews. “My favorite memory is the team dinners with all the volleyball girls.”
I have made so many incredible memories and friendships in all the different sports I play. Not just people from our school, but also from other schools, when competing against them.
“I’ll miss the bonds I have with my brothers the most,” said Linamen. “My favorite memory was this year’s home game win versus Burrell for hockey.”
Bonds that are made in sports are so special because you understand exactly what the other is experiencing, the good and the bad.
“I’ll miss the competitiveness factor, for sure, and all the memories throughout the years,” said Savannah.
While a part of me is anxious and saddened that I will no longer have sports to keep me busy, the other part of me is excited to learn who I am and all the things I can devote my free time to now. I have to say, I am mostly excited to be able to spend my entire Christmas break without having to wake up early to go to basketball practice. I have been looking forward to that for YEARS.
So, whether you are a senior hanging up your jersey one last time, an incoming freshman ready to sit the bench, or any of the athletes in between, remember to enjoy your sport because, in the end, it will all be a memory.
