Sport as a Constant in Life

I’m not gonna lie… I’m scared.

Sitting with my family at Thanksgiving dinner this past Thursday, I couldn’t help but think about the inevitable. This time next year, I will be in a completely different phase of life nowhere near where it is now, most likely in a completely new place. I went silent for about a minute just taking everything in as it was one of the first times this had hit me. When I’m at school, I think it will last forever and life will move as it has for the past four years. Away from that environment, different thoughts run through my head.

After dinner, I sat with my dad and watched the Thanksgiving Day football games featuring the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, just like every year. A couple of things were different this year. First of all, the Cowboys stink thanks to Dak Prescott’s injury and their defense cannot stop anyone. Second, the Lions actually won a Thanksgiving game for the first time since 2016, thanks to the Bears’ sorry playcalling and laziness at the end of the game. However, one thing didn’t change… My dad and I were watching football on Thanksgiving, something I did through middle and high school, now through college, and will continue throughout my professional life.?

I’ve been reflecting on this realization that life will change so much, but now that I think about it, it already has. Before I moved to Chapel Hill to start my journey at UNC in Fall 2021, I was terrified. I’d lived in my parent's bubble for so long, went to the same school for eight years, and never had to meet new people. Everyone I needed was already there. The transition was really rough, and I cried more tears than I think I ever had before. One thing that helped me tremendously in that hard time was sports. When I was feeling down, I would go to a soccer or volleyball game and return to the reality I was used to. For a few hours, I could forget about what I was experiencing and think about the games I loved. Every week, I could count on the fact that there would be sporting events going on around campus. It was a constant in that hard time, and I got through it.?

Because I transitioned to college, although it was difficult, I know I can make the switch to a full-time career. It will be tough, but there will be constants in my life that will make it easier. Sure, sports will not be as accessible as on UNC’s campus with my student tickets. But, everything is just one click away on a phone, computer, or smart TV. Even from afar, I can turn on the Panthers or Dolphins game and know my dad will be watching too. I can tune into a UNC Women's Soccer match with all the former managers, players, and staff, further bridging that connection I value so much. I can stream a Carolina Hurricanes game and be confident that my mom and her friends are screaming at the screen at home.?

Yes, I am at a scary point in my life with lots of unknowns ahead of me. But, I know that as things continue to change around me, there will always be constants, and one of those constants is in sports. When I am down, sports will be there to lift my spirits and connect me to those I love in all parts of the world. They have helped me in one rough point of my life, and they will help me again.