Enjoy the Journey: Why High School Athletics Matter More Than You Think

For many athletes, high school sports are the pinnacle of their playing careers. For others, they’re a stepping stone to the next level. No matter where your path leads, one thing is certain—you need to enjoy the journey while you’re in it.

Too often, I see players so consumed with what comes next—whether it’s chasing a college scholarship, making an elite club team, or worrying about results—that they forget to truly experience what’s happening right now. The reality is that high school athletics are about so much more than just winning or advancing to the next level. It’s about the friendships, the travel, the shared experiences, and the moments that shape who you are as an athlete and a person.

For Some, This Is the Final Chapter

The truth is, the majority of high school athletes won’t play in college. And that’s okay. But what’s not okay is looking back with regret, realizing you spent your time stressing over results instead of cherishing the moments that made it special.

These years are unique. You’re playing with classmates, childhood friends, and teammates who truly understand your journey. You’re representing your school, your community, and a program that means something bigger than just you. Those Friday night games, the road trips, the team dinners—these are the moments you’ll remember long after the final whistle blows.

For Those Who Continue, the Journey Still Matters

If you are one of the athletes who will play beyond high school, whether at the college level, semi-pro, or beyond, don’t make the mistake of thinking high school is just a stepping stone. The best athletes are the ones who appreciate every part of the process. They don’t just grind through it, waiting for what’s next—they embrace the experience and get the most out of it.

Playing at the next level brings new challenges. You’ll be in a new environment, often away from home, with increased demands and pressure. The players who succeed in that setting are the ones who already know how to appreciate the process—because they learned to love it in high school.

What It Really Means to Enjoy the Journey

Enjoying the journey doesn’t mean you stop working hard or lose your competitive edge. It means you:

• Embrace the camaraderie – The friendships you build in high school sports are unlike any others. These are the teammates who have been with you through the ups and downs, and those bonds will last well beyond your playing days.
  

• Soak in the experience – Whether it’s a long bus ride to an away game, a state tournament appearance, or just a grueling training session with teammates who push you to be better, take a moment to appreciate it all.
  

• Make the most of every opportunity – Every game, practice, and team event is a chance to create memories. Approach it with gratitude, knowing that one day you’ll look back and wish you could do it all over again.
  

• Compete without regrets – Give everything you have on the field, but don’t let results define your experience. At the end of your high school career, you want to be able to say, “I gave it everything and loved every second of it.”

Final Thoughts

High school athletics are a privilege. No matter where your path leads after graduation, these years will shape you in ways you won’t fully realize until they’re gone. Don’t let them slip by without fully embracing them.

If you continue playing at the next level, great. If not, that’s okay too. But either way, make sure that when it’s all said and done, you can look back and say you truly enjoyed the ride. Because in the end, it’s not just about where you go—it’s about how you got there and who you shared it with.