This past year I have been volunteering my time with the University of Virginia women’s lacrosse team. At the outset, I was very excited to be rejoining the team that meant so much to me during my collegiate years. I had no idea how the year would pan out (or how old I would feel) but was I was grateful to be welcomed back by the players and coaches. This past year has meant the world to me and has just added to my well of fond memories.
If you’ve been following women’s lacrosse this year, you’re aware of the ups and downs we’ve had this season but despite it all, I have had an amazing journey with this squad. It’s a great group of girls not unlike the teams I remember being a part of way back when (ok only 3 years ago).
I quickly learned a lot of new names and faces of younger kids. Their youthful exuberance always harkens me back to my first year and how clueless we were and how hard it was to adjust but also how much fun we had along the way. When I see our fourth year class nostalgia takes me back to when they were seemingly just tiny first years not so long ago. I see how much they’ve grown since their first year and it’s neat to see them taking on different (bigger) roles on the team nowadays.
When I’m on the practice field I can’t help but smile because I know how much fun these girls are having. Before they know it however, their lives will not be dictated by coaches, game schedules and academic advisors. Soon “the real world” will dictate their day to day lives.
The real world isn’t fun. Sure no more papers and you are no longer beholden to a whistle and your coach’s whim but there are so many little things that we grads undoubtedly miss. Obviously, I miss waking up after 9:30 every day but I also miss the hysterical sideline conversations at practice. I miss piling into someone’s SUV after practice to carpool home. I miss the fast food chow-downs after a long, grueling practice. I miss the movie nights and the all day barbecues. I even miss the runs when all you wanted to do was quit but that teammate beside you dragged you through the finish line.
If there’s one thing I could give these girls it would be the perspective to enjoy every single second of the ride. I would say enjoy every last drill, every last film session, every last lift, every last practice scrimmage, every last team meal, every last bus ride, every last run, and obviously every last game. Take a minute at practice and look around and soak it all in. Because as fun as it is, it’s going to end sooner than later. Four years is just too short, so stock up on memories while you can so one day you’ll be able look back and smile too.
