When you are in college you look up to your seniors as big brothers. You watch them going through their last year and think "one day I'll be there." As life goes on they leave and go conquer the world, and you quickly become the older one in the family. People look up to you now, you load your back with responsibilities and prepare to enjoy the consequences. It's your turn. However, sometimes things don't go as planned, and something out of your control jumps into your life. Our last two regular season games were canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19, known as coronavirus. A week later the WAC and then the NCAA announced they had canceled all competition for the rest of year.
The day we left for Las Vegas, we had what it turned out to be my last practice at Seattle University. I don't know how, but I think that deep inside I already knew. I was running around the gym screaming, "Senior Practice! Senior Practice! Where are my flowers? Where is my giant, shiny framed picture? Need to hang it at home!"
I took a moment to observe every person in the gym that day. All those strangers are my family now. Some of them I won't see for years, but I know each one of them has my back no matter what. This is what sport does! And this is why the ultimate goal is not as important as the path toward it. No, I didn't get to enjoy my senior night, and we didn't get to play the biggest game of my life. But you know what? The void created by what I didn't get to do was immediately filled with the relationships and memories I made during my four years at Seattle University, relationships that go well beyond basketball.
I've learned that despite how tragic life is and malevolent things are, I have the capacity to confront that courageously and stand up straight with my shoulders back. I'm thankful I always kept the mindset to play every game like it was my last, and as I proceed toward the next chapter of my life, I leave no regrets behind.
Although our season ending is truly heartbreaking, our coaches, players and staff understand that this issue is much bigger than us. We hope that everyone is able to stay safe out there, and can find some peace of mind during these stressful times. When, for a second, I selfishly think that my team didn't deserve this, I then think of the thousands of people that alone and with nobody next to them pass away every day due to this evil virus. I think about their families and realize how blessed we are to just be disappointed about a game. When I see the current events from this perspective, I'm able to remain thankful and invite everybody to do the same.
College sports can bring you the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, everything in between and all the emotions you could ever feel. When I reflect on my time at Seattle University, the memories of being a part of this team will make me smile forever. I'm forever grateful and thankful for the opportunity I had to be a leader of this team and for the life lessons I learned in accountability, responsibility, commitment, and how special it is to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
To all the coaches, teammates, staff and fans, you will always have a place in my heart.
Your Senior,
Mattia
The day we left for Las Vegas, we had what it turned out to be my last practice at Seattle University. I don't know how, but I think that deep inside I already knew. I was running around the gym screaming, "Senior Practice! Senior Practice! Where are my flowers? Where is my giant, shiny framed picture? Need to hang it at home!"
I took a moment to observe every person in the gym that day. All those strangers are my family now. Some of them I won't see for years, but I know each one of them has my back no matter what. This is what sport does! And this is why the ultimate goal is not as important as the path toward it. No, I didn't get to enjoy my senior night, and we didn't get to play the biggest game of my life. But you know what? The void created by what I didn't get to do was immediately filled with the relationships and memories I made during my four years at Seattle University, relationships that go well beyond basketball.
I've learned that despite how tragic life is and malevolent things are, I have the capacity to confront that courageously and stand up straight with my shoulders back. I'm thankful I always kept the mindset to play every game like it was my last, and as I proceed toward the next chapter of my life, I leave no regrets behind.
Although our season ending is truly heartbreaking, our coaches, players and staff understand that this issue is much bigger than us. We hope that everyone is able to stay safe out there, and can find some peace of mind during these stressful times. When, for a second, I selfishly think that my team didn't deserve this, I then think of the thousands of people that alone and with nobody next to them pass away every day due to this evil virus. I think about their families and realize how blessed we are to just be disappointed about a game. When I see the current events from this perspective, I'm able to remain thankful and invite everybody to do the same.
College sports can bring you the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, everything in between and all the emotions you could ever feel. When I reflect on my time at Seattle University, the memories of being a part of this team will make me smile forever. I'm forever grateful and thankful for the opportunity I had to be a leader of this team and for the life lessons I learned in accountability, responsibility, commitment, and how special it is to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
To all the coaches, teammates, staff and fans, you will always have a place in my heart.
Your Senior,
Mattia