Why You Shouldn't Quit Sports After High School

You'll gain a healthy outlet, new skills, and lifelong friendships.

Photo credit: Emily Gethke Photography

Article written by third-year Western University Political Science student Maddie Hill.

My quitting story

Growing up, I played ringette at the provincial level (if you haven't heard of it... check this out). I decided to quit after high school. After all, I was heading to a new city, full of new people and new experiences — I'd be too busy for sports anyways.

A stream of tears fell down my face after my final club game. I'd spent my youth playing, coaching, and reffing ringette, only to close the chapter abruptly with an overtime loss in our provincial championships.

Welcome to Western

Soon after, I was off to Western University. I knew Western had a varsity ringette team and my mom convinced me to email the coach about their open tryouts. I attended the pre-tryout meeting and proceeded to chicken-out of the tryouts. I called home with a million excuses: I won't have time, it was too much commitment, and I wouldn't even make the team!

My mom quickly refuted all my excuses: "Maddie, go to the tryout, you claim you won't make the team anyway."

"Too much commitment"

Let's fast-forward one month: I've got a snazzy varsity jacket... so much for being afraid of commitment! After my panic call home, I ultimately did attend the open tryouts, thinking I had nothing to lose. At the tryouts, I realized that my love of the game was too strong to suppress. When I was out on the ice, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Teammates become family

In my defense, some of my initial hesitations had merit: participating in varsity athletics at the post-secondary level requires commitment. I've spent numerous Friday nights sweaty in an arena.

However, the community I've gained from participating in the sport is unparalleled. I've been introduced to a diverse set of like-minded, empowered women from across the country. They're from different programs, years, and places: each impressive and bright in their own way. Varsity athletics provided me with instant connections and unwavering support that spanned across campus. I gained my own little family in a new city that initially felt lonely and daunting.

Soft skills central

Now, in my third year at Western, I'm privileged to serve as one of the captains on Western's varsity ringette team. I've acquired many skills through sport that will stay with me once I quit playing ringette — for real, this time. I've developed a laundry list of soft skills: punctuality, dedication, adaptability, teamwork, and decisiveness (to name just a few). These transferrable skills will help me beyond my time at Western.

If you're on the fence...

If you're an athlete preparing to pursue post-secondary education, think twice about quitting your athletic involvement.

Take it from me: if I had quit, I would've missed out on some of the most fruitful moments of my university experience. I promise, you're not "too busy..." you've been busy with sports before! I encourage you to keep yourself in the game, whether it be at the varsity or intramural level. You'll gain a healthy outlet, new skills, and lifelong friendships. So, give it a whirl; your love for your sport likely burns brighter than you realize.