I walked into the locker room prepared to watch film from the previous night's game. It was a typical day. After training, we watch film, then go outside to practice following the film. 

We were about halfway through our conference season, a time where the morale is high, but you've been in season long enough that you miss your family, home, and friends. 

We sat down and my coach began handing out mail. This was unusual. Were we getting money from the school? A local NIL deal? A letter from the administration? 

Our coach began to explain she had asked our parents or people within our support system to write letters to help us remember all the people we have caring for us. Often in the length of a college soccer season, that extra push is needed. Hearing who we have behind us makes playing that much more special. 

It is hard being a college athlete, we have given up so much for our sport and missed monumental moments in our loved ones' lives. It's important to be reminded that there are people supporting you even when you don't see them everyday.

Related: Our Teammates Wrote Us Letters on Game Day

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* Originally published on November 30, 2021, by Andrea Leitner