At a young age, parents like to put their kids involved in all sorts of new activities, and many times that means signing them up for sports. Some kids absolutely love their sports, and play them from adolescence all the way through their teenage years. In some cases, maybe they even ride that enthusiasm and passion all the way to college. While that may be true for some athletes at FHC, that does not take away from the fact that some of the people who are on sports teams do not like to play. The competition just isn’t for them and it’s overwhelming. Though people believe that sports teams allow kids of all ages to branch out and make more friends, it can have the opposite affect which leads me to my point: If you are playing a sport you do not like, you should not be playing that sport.

In my lifetime, I can honestly say that I have tried every sport at least once. For me, sports were fun for a long time; I loved being a part of something along with having a group of people I got to hang out with every single practice. That was until I stopped liking to play. It was a difficult time filled with conflicting emotions. I hated that I didn’t like playing the sports that I had been playing for years, but it got to a point where I was so mentally exhausted after every practice and every game because it was so draining to have hours of my day taken away from me because I was doing something I hated. I felt overwhelmed, upset, and stuck. When the seasons ended, it was always a breath of fresh air because I did not have to feel these emotions anymore, but then the next season would roll around again and there I was again where I was before in the same predicament.

The further you get along in your sports career, people begin to pressure you more and more about being the best you can be and not letting the existing feelings get to you. They want you to keep going and continue doing something you hate. Coming from first-hand experience, my ears heard it all and now I do not play sports anymore. Instead, as a sports journalist, I just cover them, and I feel better in that role. I still have a love for the sports I once played, but the relief I have from walking away from them is much greater.

Athletes who force the issue and ignore the feelings of burnout and apathy become exhausted and straight-up sad because what they once loved is doing nothing good for them anymore. If you are an athlete who does not like to play, let me be the first one to tell you that it is okay to stop.

As coaches, parents, and teachers, watch out for your young athletes. Pay attention not only to the ones that always shine but also to the ones who are tired. Most importantly, to all athletes, play the game if you want and not because you feel obligated.