In 2018-19, the Mountain East Conference began its "Dear Sport" initiative where student-athletes in the conference were encouraged to write a letter to their sport. The initiative provides the opportunity for student-athletes to express in their own words the impact that sports has played in shaping them throughout their lives. 

Click here to view all letters posted throughout the year. 

Below is a letter from Pilar Elias, a women's soccer play from Concord University.

Dear Soccer, 

You’re much more than just a sport. You’re my first true love, my teacher and more importantly you’re my life. At the young age of 5, I put you in front of my feet and never looked back. From that very moment, you’ve been with me through it all and have taught me so many valuable lessons that have made me a better person, the person I am today, 16 years later. Soccer, you have taught me more than I could ever explain. You have made me a dedicated, hard worker. You have taught me the importance of sacrifice, time management and teamwork. And lastly, you’ve put me through times where I have had to push beyond my limits and never give up. 

Don’t get me wrong, there have been plenty of days that I doubted you, but you seemed to always find a way to remind me that I needed you more than you needed me. Every year as I grew older you became more important to me, which meant that I would have to put you first. For all the sacrifices I had to make for you, it still doesn’t compare to what you given to me. You have given me the privilege to play on some amazing teams, be mentored by some inspiring, tough coaches who always saw so much potential in me and allowed me the experience of traveling throughout the nation to play. You allowed me to earn state and national championships. You and I have overcome some humbling losses and experienced some monumental wins. You also allowed me personally to earn many outstanding awards throughout my career, including All-American, All-New England, All-MEC and all-region honors which I could of never done without my teammates and mentors along the way.

I’ve never found so much peace, as I have in you, soccer. You have tested me in ways I could never imagine. As I am coming to the end of my successful career with you, it truly brings pain to my heart. Sometimes, I am afraid I will never find something else to put my heart and soul into. I have always carried the title “soccer player.” I know that no matter what I do and where I go, I will always carry you with me and I am forever grateful for the person I have become. Thank you.

Love, 
Pilar Elias, #23
Concord University