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Its not about getting a scholarship,
getting drafted, making Sportscenter or even the Olympic Softball
team. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart. We
need to
practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat.
We do it all for our teammates and for the
one in the stands watching we don't even know. We don't practice
with a future Braves first baseman; we practice with a future sports
agent. We don't hit with a future Olympic softball player; we
hit with a future doctor. We don't run with a future Wimbledon
champion; we run with a future CEO. It's a bigger part of us than
our friends and family can understand. Sometimes we play for 2,000
fans, sometimes for 25. But we still play hard.
You cheer for us because you know us.
You know more than just our names. Like all of you, we are still
students first. We don't sign autographs. But we do sign
graduate school applications, ACT exams and student body petitions.
When we miss a play, or strike out, we don't let down an entire
state. We only let down our teammates, coaches, and fans. But
the hurt in our hearts is the same.
 We
train hard. Lift, throw, run, field, hit, pitch, and lift some
more, and in the morning we go to class. Still the next day in class
we are nothing more than students.
It's about pride. In ourselves, in
our school, in our park. It's about our love and passion for the
game. And when it's all over. When we walk that court or field
for the last time, our hearts crumble.
Those tears are real. But deep down
inside, we are very proud of ourselves.
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Author Unknown (please email me if you know where we can give
credit) |
