I played soccer at Ohio University, and of course I remember the games and the game-day traditions. I remember the Mid American Conference tournament and Senior Day.
But looking back, I'm surprised to find the thing I miss most...is practice.
The workouts were difficult. However, you don't reach that level of athletics without learning that there are particular kinds of pain that are good and somehow pleasant.
It was easy to dig deep when there were minutes left in a game, and the score was tied. Practice was almost a truer test of our heart. Were we willing to put in the work, even when the rewards for that work were not already in view?
And sure, even though we were teammates, we didn't always get along. We were, after all, competing for playing time. But it was really something to know you were surrounded by people who would always fight for you when push came to shove.
This isn't self-serving nostalgia. Ok, it's not just self-serving nostalgia. It's also a message: Those monumental, seemingly important moments in life aren't always the ones that stick with you.
Sure you'll remember the time you went to THE game. But you'll probably also remember Thanksgiving games of touch football in the backyard.
You'll remember that amazing game-winning drive. But you'll also remember the drive to the stadium, when you found all sorts of creative ways to kill time while caught in traffic.
Sometimes the memories that creep up on you are surprising. But if you give yourself to every moment, it will almost always be a pleasant surprise.
Daniela Hantuchova
Jessica Gomes
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