Trying to find a friend group in high school might seem stressful for some. But for me, having many different friend groups and people to hang out with has been the highlight of my high school years. Being involved in basketball, cross country, and track has given me the best teammates and friends outside of the sport. 

During basketball season, my teammates and I would hang out constantly, going to the boys basketball games, getting food together, and spending more time together, which made our on-court experience and chemistry so much stronger. As we continued throughout the season, we were very successful, and that was because of our close friendships with every teammate. Whether they were freshmen or seniors, I could trust them and have fun with them at any time. 

My cross country and track friends have definitely shaped my running experience because they made the sport so much more fun, and they made me want to come to practice every day. They made me realize that even though the sport is mostly individual challenges, that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone; you have friends that you can count on. 

Aside from my sports friends, my main friend group is with five girls, and they are the best friends I can ask for. On hard days and on days when I need a friend, they are always there for me with open arms, listening to whatever I have to say without judgment. They always support me, coming to multiple games and meets with flowers or signs. I really couldn’t ask for a better group of friends to go through high school with.

Ultimately, having all these important people in my life, no matter what grade or what we have in common, means they will always hold a special place in my heart. It makes moving on from high school more difficult, but I know I will cherish these friendships for years to come. The bonds I’ve built over time have made my high school experience so much more meaningful, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.