For 8 years of my life I've played a game that a lot of people might just see as this strange compilation of candy-cane looking sticks and an orange plastic ball.
It's all coming to an end now.
I remember thinking 4 years ago, "what will it feel like when it all comes to an end?"
And yet, I could shove all of those thoughts to the back of my mind—it seemed as though field hockey would go on forever.
This weekend was our final pair of home games at Warrior field. Ever. The 8 seniors who started this program are slowly ending their time with the Hendrix field hockey program, and like change has always been in my life, it's been a sudden rush of realization, a surprise that you know is coming but you can never quite prepare for, and it rocks me harder than I could have ever imagined.
I walked into the locker room and was overwhelmed by the black streamers everywhere, the pictures of the 8 seniors on the door, and the beautiful bracelets we received in these cute boxes. I could barely get out an inspirational speech before we headed out on the field. I tried my hardest to hold it together when my family escorted me on the field. I prayed hard during the national anthem, asking for some kind of grace and appreciation that would make this game a game to remember. Oh, and was it ever. We played our hearts out. The best part? We walked off the field giving everything we had. That's all we have ever needed to do. We came back from behind 2 goals. Any other season you know what would have probably happened? We would have probably let the game go, just trying to make it to the very end. Not yesterday, and not anymore. That's how much this team has grown.
The feeling of scoring the first goal, with everyone screaming, shouting, wow. I will never forget it. Every athlete dreams of a feeling like that. It hurt to lose to DePauw in double overtime. Of course we were upset. But as I hugged my family and friends, laughing at the wonderful shirts my friends made, I realized that this is what it is all about. This is what we have been searching for the past 4 years, and for the last couple of weeks as a senior field hockey player, our team has found it.
I told our team before we left the field that this was the best group of girls I have ever played with. I meant every word, and even though I had to hold back my sobs, I am glad I said it.
This crazy ride is coming to an end. But, we still have conference championships left. I know all of us want to go out the right way, so I can only wish the other teams luck. If we play the top game we can play, we can beat anybody. That's just so cool.
