Top 10 Feelings Every Athlete Can Relate To

Being an athlete is awesome. There is a lot of blood, sweat and tears that go into being a successful athlete, but it really is worth it. There are ups and there are many, many downs but this is what makes the process so rewarding. Being a strength coach, I often remind my athletes to enjoy every second of their athletic career; enjoy the big W's, your teammates and athlete swag, but also enjoy the heartache after a loss, the early mornings, and countless conditioning drills. As much as I relate to everyone being an athlete (in life), this one is for the athlete's who have poured their heart and soul into their sport. We learn some major life lessons throughout our sport's career, many that we can take into our future careers, but there are some indescribable feelings that really can't be beat.

Here's my list of 10 feelings every athlete can relate to ...

(10) Ice tubbing after training camp

I thought it was suppose to feel good ...

(9) When you get a text from your coach

What did I do wrong? Am I kicked off the team? Is next practice strictly conditioning? Is the world ending?

(8) When you get new team gear

Squad up.

(7) When people ask how the game went and they know you lost 

It's called the internet ... check the score before you ask.

(6) The feeling after you finish a team conditioning workout

My heart is beating out of my chest but we're STILL ALIVE!

(5) When NARP's think intramurals is equivalent to varsity

... no, it's not.

(4) When you hit a clutch shot

Goal/shot/hit/score celebration to follow.

(3) When hecklers are chirping you and you make a big play anyways

Haters gonna hate.

(2) Being apart of a family

The best type of family.

(1) When the clock is runs out during a Championship game and you realized you've won ... 

Goosebumps.

For those of us lucky enough to participate in sport at an elite level will be forever grateful for our experiences, our teammates that became family, and for the opportunity to play the greatest game on earth - which ever that may be for you.

Remember, champions are made with blood, sweat, and the occasional tear.