OPINION
I'm Never Going
Pro
Stigmas aside, sometimes it's okay to quit in order to explore new avenues of expression. BY SYDNEY DANIELS EDITORIAL EDITOR
D
on’t be a quitter. At least that is what my parents told me every time I just “couldn’t hack it." Don’t be a quitter. Because winners never quit and quitters never win. Don’t be a quitter. Every time my legs felt as though they’d give out, every time my lungs burned from over exertion, I reminded myself that quitting is a dirty word. Or so I used to think. But you know what? Sports just aren’t for everyone. Sometimes the best thing you can do is quit. However, when you’re young, sports are great. They instill a value system characterized by respect for the coach, teamwork and a hard work ethic. But once I got older and sports got competitive they just weren't as fun. Everyone plays to win. It’s as simple as that. But it’s the feeling of defeat following a loss that lingers longer for me than a winner’s high. Part of my childhood was playing sports and weeding out those I did and didn’t enjoy. I fenced, swam, played volleyball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, tennis and danced ballet. The only one that stuck was lacrosse and that was mainly because my parents would’ve made me go to the gym if I didn’t play a sport. Let’s just say that to an eighth grader, the gym with its sweaty old people and naked ladies in the locker room was not an option. At least not until now. To be honest, I’m not very athletic, nor am I super into any one
I’ve collected a lot of lacrosse paraphernalia throughout my seven years of play. These items are just a few mementos that I’ll keep to remind me of that period in my life. (Photo by Sydney Daniels)
sport. In order to get into a “good school,” many people are encouraged to do as many sports and extracurriculars as possible. Unfortunately for me that has translated into a lack of passion for the sport. and a simple checking off a box on a long to-do list. At this point in my post-lacrosse life, the sole way that I’m going to exercise is by going to the gym. Unfortunately, I’m not very motivated for that either. I’ve been hit with a case of Senioritis at its finest. Second semester senior year has motivated me to do absolutely nothing. Sports are a great part of student life. They helped me form bonds from the start of freshman year over struggles such as running the dreaded “Three Mile,” to senior year Hill sprints and the pacer test. But after forming those bonds, the need to be a part of the team seemed to dwindle.
There’s no doubt that I will miss lacrosse and the camaraderie that accompanied it. There’s just something about being a part of a team. Something about knowing that there are 30 other girls whose hamstrings ache just as much as yours from the wall sits. But before you quit, there are some questions to mull over. By quitting what do I hope to get? Will I later regret it? Rank your extracurriculars in order of importance. If the sport falls far down on the list, then maybe it's time to reevaluate. As I reevaluate, it’s weird to think that a sport I’ve played for the past seven years will no longer be a part of my life, no matter how small. I realize that I’m evolving. Along with that evolution comes new interests and passions. Lacrosse was a great part of my life, one that I’ll reflect back on with fondness. However, quitting a sport may give me time to explore something else that I may come to love.
Polishing Priorities “I was kind of tired of it and it's time to move on. I’m very busy. I like volunteering two times a week and I have internships. I feel like I’m too busy for it. I’ll miss all the people for sure, I won’t miss the practices at all." senior Sydney Summers
8LE JOURNAL MARCH
“I really miss lacrosse but it would be tough for me physically and between 4 APs and work, there’s no way I could fit it in. I realized it’s better to be able to commit to a few things completely rather than trying to do everything."
senior Alexandra Dykeman
“I feel like senioritis is really kicking in and I don’t want to go to lacrosse practice everyday after school for two hours. And it goes into summer. So during graduation, prom and spring break it's just the last thing I want to be doing." senior Madie Redmond
