“I need a break”, words so simple yet so complicated. Enough to cut over 10 years of hard work, dedication, and discipline short. I was always told I had talent, that it was built into me. I was practically born into the sport. As soon as I could get my legs functioning, I got to work kicking a ball around. I started where everyone started by participating in little teams like AYSO and YMCA, but I was improving fast. I became good, really good. By the time I was in middle school, I’d already joined one of the top club teams, and I was playing over my age group. It was competitive, I was competitive. I required myself to work harder than everyone else to be better than everyone else, and as a result I became a top scorer against people bigger and stronger than me. So, how do I manage to quit 10 years in, especially with an actual future ahead of me? I just couldn’t take it anymore, mentally. Being too competitive had transformed me into a terrible teammate. I was no longer having fun. I hate to admit it, but I was tired, burned out. Being tired isn’t easy, giving up something you love is hard, and letting down the people that supported you is even harder. I don’t know what I’d be doing now had I “persevered”, but what I do know for sure is I’m happier.