When the cheering stops

jeter.webp

Nothing beats playing competitive sports. The thrill, agony, adrenaline rush, camaraderie, being part of something more than just yourself are unmatched feelings. In hindsight those feelings are euphoric, hard if not impossible to match in everyday life.

Then there comes that time, whether due to age, injury or retirement, where the game stops. No more cheers of the crowd, inspirational chanting, recognition for athletic performances. No more noise, clamor, or commotion. Just echoes of what used to be bouncing around in your mind. What does that silence feel like to a dedicated athlete? What changes does that silence bring?

In a busy life, silence can be described as a feeling of peace. It can be compared to the still waters of a tranquil lake at sunset. It can feel so soothing to us as our lives get busy and hectic with work, child rearing and life's demands. We can long for that moment of serenity in the loud and crazy world, for it can seem ever-fleeting.

But, what if this isn’t what silence always looks like? What if there was a silence that hung around for a little while and than a little while longer? A silence that becomes deafening, unwanted, and conflicted. A silence that looks more like someone struggling to stay afloat in smooth waters rather than wading peacefully. What if silence looked like and felt like this instead? What if I told you that this type of silence actually exists? Would you believe me?

This is what the end of a playing career may feel like for competitive athletes. Some might say that this is too drastic and dramatic; that sports are just a silly game athletes play to fuel egos and to get over it or let go. But what those people might not understand is that losing the game is like losing a part of oneself. A dedicated athlete has spent most of their lives dedicated to a sport; years preparing, conditioning, competing. They’ve invested themselves physically, mentally and emotionally as well. As a competitive athlete it can become consuming with the wins and losses, the highs and lows. It defined lives for many. Sports gave a purpose, an identity, a social outlet. A circle of close knit friends. It becomes a world in itself and athletes circle around it as the centerpiece of their life.

That is why, when it’s all said and done, when the final buzzer buzzes, the last finish line is crossed, or the last out is made it’s such a big loss. It’s without question the biggest loss in most athletic careers. For others, it’s sometimes can be the biggest life change other than relationships they carry with loved ones.

At this moment, athletes are left to undergo some serious life re-evaluation; left asking who they are? What can I do now to fill that void?

Almost all athletes, amateur, college, semi-pro, or pro—experience this kind of silence. Sure, there can be rec leagues that can be joined, but it won’t be anything like the game played competitively. The thrill of a rivalry, the pressure of a playoff game, the grind of going to practice every day, the feeling of being victorious, the locker room celebrations, the long bus rides, the goofiness and camaraderie of your team mates.

Through sports, athletes are lucky enough to create more friendships and memories than most people dream of. Athletics helps us grow as people and learn more lessons than school could ever teach us. So, when that moment comes, when the clock strikes 0:00, and it’s all said and done, while inevitable sadness will strike, I’d like to offer a little bit of advice.

Take it all in. Take a look into the stands to see or remember your family and friends who have been there to support you every step of the way – remember to be thankful. Take a look at your teammates to the left and to the right of you, and think about how these people, who have become your family, have shaped your life – remember to never let these relationships go, even as the frequency of those interactions become sporadic. Take a look at the playing field, whatever it may be, one last time and replay all of the great victories and celebrations – remember to cherish those feelings. Take time to reflect on all the years you’ve played – remember to never take those years and opportunities for granted.

Finally, no matter how deafening it may be, take the time to listen to the silence, because while our sport has certainly molded us and forever impacted our lives, it is in no way the ultimate definition of who you are. Remember that, and more importantly, believe that. Believe that you are just as important and just as valuable to the world as you were when you played your sport.

If there's one thing that’s for sure, it's that being a good person is what truly matters in this life. Who you are without the game is what matters and how good of a person you are doesn't change just because your playing days are over.

The silence will only begin to fade, once you believe that.

REFERENCES

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/