What I'm thankful for: A big loss

Going into the A-10 tournament undefeated in the regular conference season and after a clean sweep of Davidson in the semi-finals, I would’ve bet my entire savings account that we would win the A-10 conference tournament. No doubt about it.

But we lost. We lost on our home court. My last game in the Frericks Center and we got swept. The title wasn’t ours. The trophy was going home with Loyola Chicago. 

After such a shocking loss, I felt numb. How could this happen? Since the moment I’d found out we’d be hosting the A-10 tournament, I’d built up this story in my head. It was meant to be. This was the reason I took my fifth year of eligibility. I’d get to play one last season with my best friends, further my education and win the title of A-10 champions on our home court.

I’d get to take pictures with teammates in our championship hats, our mini trophies in hand and championship shirts on. We’d get to hold up that trophy for our friends and family and the Dayton community that had backed us all season. 

Instead, I stood there as they carried the trophy table over to Loyola’s side of the court. As they held each other and cried tears of joy. 

It was hard to find gratitude in that moment, but the truth is, I’m grateful for that loss. It taught me that nothing is guaranteed. 

I’m grateful I still get to play. Despite losing the tournament, because of the season we had, we’re still likely to get an at-large bid to play in the NCAA tournament. I’m grateful this loss isn’t the end of my career. 

I get to show up to practice this week with a new appreciation for everything I still have. It’s a privilege to be pushed in the gym. It’s a privilege to still play. 

And above all, it’s a privilege to be a Dayton Flyer.

Photographs courtesy of Dayton Athletics.