The best way to start off a fresh new year is to hit the ground running, and as a fall athlete, that’s exactly what you’re doing. Practices have started, and you’ve already committed yourself to a whole season of after-school practices, the sweltering heat and a whole group of somewhat crazy teammates. While the practices might seem long, the best advice to give is to stick it out.

Just wait until the games begin. In case you haven’t been told this already, the season will fly by before you know it. Soon, you’ll find yourself on a packed school bus heading off to your first meet, wondering who your opponent will be that day. Hold on to all of the inside jokes you make with your teammates during practices. Embrace the cheesy team bonding and find the time to catch some other games that aren’t your own. Never forget the tournaments in late September when it’s only 50 degrees outside and blankets become your new best friend. Get to know the seniors on your team before suddenly it’s the end of the school year and they’re heading off for college. There’s so many things to do, and you really only have 2 months to do them.

When the season ends, you won’t be able to believe it’s over, but hopefully, you’ll feel the irresistible urge to come back the next year. Find the time to get out to the field, the courts, the turf, whatever your thing is. Practice even when nobody’s watching. With some hard work in the off season, you could be the captain of that team one year.

For now, the weather is only going to get colder and the homework load is only going to get heavier. So enjoy every moment that you have with your team. The year is just beginning.