Athletics are a huge part of certain people’s lives.
Being a college athlete is a big deal. Some try and go on to become professionals and make it to the big leagues. But what happens to those who do not? What happens to athletes that end their playing career when their college career is finished?
Most Cavaliers have been playing sports for a good portion of their lives.
Alexis Cunningham, senior political science, English, environmental studies and environmental science majors, said, “I’ve been running all through out high school and I ran for Cabrini for about two years.”
After their college career is over, this usually calls an end to their athletic career, as well.
Many will say goodbye to the sport they love but some may even chose to follow their passion for the sport by coaching or helping out with the team in the future.
“I may actually have an assistant coach opportunity for cross country or track in field in graduate school so that is pretty exciting,” Cunningham said.
“Coaching probably isn’t for me but I would definitely come back and see my teammates play if I could,” Amy Held, senior women’s tennis player, said.
Throughout all of the workouts, practice and games, playing a sport has a big impact of an athlete’s life. Players put their heart and soul into their athletic careers, which can make it hard to leave behind.
“Running cross country has shaped me into a much more determined individual,” Cunningham said. “I love setting goals for myself, and it really boosts my self-esteem.”
“I am definitely miss running at practice with my team the most,” Cunningham said. “There’s nothing better than sharing something you love with your teammates. The social aspect of running is super supportive.”
“Tennis has put such a great impact on my life,” Held said. “It gave me something to enjoy at the end of the day. I love playing and I love playing with my teammates.”
“Of course I am going to miss playing but the part I will cherish the most is the friendships I made from my teammates,” Held said. “I will never forget them and the memorable times I had with each and every one of them.”
Although many careers will end this year and the many more to come, the truth is this, ‘once an athlete… always an athlete.’
Their career will be looked back on as something to be cherished because they accomplished athletics their early lives. This is something they will remember forever.
