With the high school year winding down, there are a lot of senior athletes who have put on that jersey, strapped on that helmet, stepped into the batter’s box or even stepped on the field for the very last time. As graduation approaches, it got me thinking about my time as a high school athlete and the things that being a part of teams has taught me.

There are far more important things in this life than sports, but there are few things that can actually prepare you for life outside after high school than sports, especially under the right coaches.

Growing up playing every sport that was in season, I quickly learned what it meant to be apart of something bigger than yourself. Working with a team for the betterment of the team. It has forged bonds with teammates that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

It’s a sinking feeling knowing that you have played your last snap on those Friday night lights, but the things that I learned from playing are all worth that feeling.

From my early years at Johnson Park playing for my dad or David Wilson, to high school football for Paul Woolley and baseball with Steve Helms, I’ve had the chance to learn the games through these great teachers, but the things they taught me about life are they things that I will forever hold on to.

Back then, I didn’t fully appreciate what it was that they were doing for us. I didn’t always see eye-to-eye with them and things got tough sometimes, but I know everything they did had a purpose. Not only to teach the game, but to teach life lessons.

Just listen to your coaches, it might not seem like it now, but they usually know what they are talking about and they are truly only trying to do what is best for.