Dear #14,
Don’t take this number for granted, represent it well, play the game you love, play hard, focus, and, most of all, have fun. Though I didn’t carry this number into college, this number will forever have so much meaning to me, as it will to you: from the summer camps, leagues, and clinics all throughout the years. It all goes by so fast, like a blink of an eye. You will never forget it.
I remember walking through the hallways on game days in that jersey, in the funky outfits, in obnoxious tye dye, and, most of all, with #14 on my back. Cherish this number because it reminds you of a group of girls you’ll always love; they’re your family, and that field is yours forever. Walking onto the field with my parents, team, and coaches on senior night was so bittersweet and a night I, and you eventually, will never forget. It’s the last time you’ll probably wear that jersey, walk on that field, see those girls, or maybe even play the game. I chose to continue the sport and, if you can, do it because you won’t regret it. You’re going to meet a whole new group of girls who are your battle buddies and you’ll conquer everything with them! You get to start all over again with (possibly) a new number, team, coaches, and field. It won’t be easy at first because you’ll be so used to the old ways, but if it’s the sport you love, you’ll do anything to play it.
With all of that, cherish that time you spend in my jersey, in those halls, and with your team now. You’re going to look back and realize it all went by way too fast. The away bus rides, listening to music and sitting next to your teammates are going to go away soon. Team breakfasts, dinners, and the insane heart-to-hearts you and your team used to have will fade away. The good news is that you can experience these things with your new team within the next few years. The trips to camps, clinics, and tournaments come to a halt, and you’re going to miss your old teammates the most. You’re going to miss their families. You will miss everyone who stood in those bleachers and cheered you on every single game, (even if they argued with the refs.) No matter how hot, how cold, or how hard it was raining or snowing.. They were always there. The person and player you are today all started with this one number you represent on your back on the field, and everyone who helped you throughout the years. You became a family.
So, #14, this jersey and this number you wear were once all mine. They represent the injuries you’ve had, the losses, the wins, the records, and the bruises. This jersey you’re wearing represents mine as well, and the girl before me. I had my own successes, my own personal letdowns, I scored goals, I missed shots, and I was sassy to the refs, not to mention the ground balls and rebounds I had or missed. Everything you do in that jersey I once did. Before I started in my first varsity game, I had the biggest smile across my face as one of our teachers announced us out onto the field. I cried happy and sad tears after winning our senior night game in double over-time, knowing it was the last time I would walk onto that field with #14 on my back. It’s not just a jersey, it’s a legacy and, with that, every legacy has its own story.. Add to that story. If you ever see me watching you from the stands, while you’re on that field I used to play on, with my old jersey, playing the teams I once played, know I expect the best from you. Play better than I did in that jersey and carry the legacy.
And, #14, if you do decide to play college ball, work ten times harder; be tough, and know that so many awesome girls wore that new number you’re going to represent. You’re going to start your legacy over with a whole new number, team, coaches, and fans. Most of all.. A whole new family. Don’t take that number for granted, because you’re going to miss it when it’s over. Keep working hard to become the amazing player you want to be.
Love,
#14
