I Had the Time Of My Life With You

"We got this Em. This is our game. Our LAST game. Our last point. Make it count." We high- fived, and walked away. I stood there, bouncing on my toes, just like coach had drilled into our heads. Cyprus, got ready, tossing the ball in the air, yelling 30-40. The game was our advantage. This game had been a fight, but we were ready. After all we had just played them yesterday. The last game on our beautiful home courts, we won and it was a great. But we fought for that win. Now we were at region, knowing it was our very last game as a doubles team. As Lady Falcons as well. It was hard, but I couldn't focus on it all ending right now. This last point was defined by me, as usual. I don't do well with pressure, but this time I didn't feel pressure. I felt the need to make Emily proud. To make my school proud. To make my coach proud. To make myself proud. I wanted a shot that I could look back on with pride. The ball came towards me, it was in. I got into position and hit it with my racket. "Please go in. Please go in." I pleaded almost out loud. I felt as if we were in slow motion. It crossed over the net, bounced in. Upper left corner. The girl didn't even have time to react. Perfect shot. Emily looked back at me, we both smiled. I took a brief moment, soaking in the victory. Our last victory. I couldn't help but be so happy, I ran and hugged her. She laughed and headed over to shake hands with the other team. I grabbed my bag and my water jug, and walked off that court with my head held high and tears in my eyes. I still can't believe it's over. Three years ago I stepped on those courts (well the old ghetto ones), with an old racket in my hands, scared as could be. This sport changed me. It gave me the courage to try something new, to push myself to become a better player. It gave me grace when we lost and gratitude when we won. It gave me dozens of girls, who became my sisters. It gave me a coach who always believed in me. It gave me memories that I wouldn't trade for the world. Being a senior is scary, and it's hard. Everything is ending. But sometimes good things have to end. Sometimes you have to move on and let someone else enjoy it. Doors are closing all around me, but this door is one I want to push open. Push with all my strength. I can't imagine life without someone calling my Lachael. Without coach and his odd, hilarious jokes. "Remember ladies; tell your Friday-night dates: love means no score to a tennis player!" I'm going to miss all of my friends and our singing on the bus to away games. The cute little uniforms and the super hott tan lines we get. Right now in my life I'm really trying to put on a smile and look on the brightside. It's tougher than ever. I guess the only way I can be positive about this is by being grateful. I am grateful for getting the chance to be a part of something so special. To be on a team where it doesn't matter where you come from, because you are a Lady Falcon. Where we can become a family in such a short time. I'm going to miss my girls. The banquet is in a few weeks, and I will get the chance to say goodbye. It's not going to be easy, but it has to be done. Thank you tennis, for changing my life, and for the girls loving me for who I am. "15 minutes!"