I wasn't one of those people who loved everything I ever tried. I played just about every sport you can imagine growing up. I liked them all, some more than others, but there was only one that ever captured my heart. I don't remember my first practice, or the people on all my teams, but I remember the overwhelming feeling of relief. I remember thinking I found it. I hadn't known I was searching for anything at the time, I didn't know there was a part of me missing, until I found it. From that moment on the sport became my life. I counted the days by when I had my next practice or game. I dreamed of the Olympics and told everyone I wanted to be a professional athlete. I put everything I had into it, all my time, my energy, my emotion, all of me. Time would pass, people would come and go, but the sport never changed. Sure there would be rule changes here and there, but the essence stayed the same. It didn't matter how many hours I spent practicing, how many injuries I endured, how many times I couldn't hang out with my school friends because I didn't have any time left in the day, I never lost that feeling of excitement. My heart still beats faster when I think of it. I know I can't play the sport forever, I know at some point I'll have to give it up, but not today. Today I say thank you, thank you for the memories you've helped me create, with the lifelong friends who share my passion for you, and for all the life lessons you've taught me. Today I look back on the countless hours spent practicing to get me to where I am today, I think of all the other things I missed out on, and I feel no regret. Today I say thank you for stealing my heart and showing me the potential I never knew I had.
~B.S.