Every athlete has been there at some point. Counting down 3… 2… 1… as they pretend to heave up the game winning shot or touchdown pass.  What most athletes don’t consider is what happens when that final buzzer goes off and there are no more games to be played. The sport you have been eating, sleeping and breathing your whole life is no longer there.

For senior fall athletes, this day they thought would never come has become a reality and they are no longer varsity athletes at Castleton University.

“I’ve always been in a routine with sports and school.  There were always two things to focus on and now it feels like I’m missing something,” said senior Ariel Mroz-Brewer, a former captain of the field hockey team.

“I think the hardest part is not having anything to do anymore.  I don’t have practice every day or lift or conditioning. This also means I don’t get to see my teammates every day which is really hard as well,” admitted Mallory Costello, a former two-time NAC player of the year as a member of the women’s soccer team.

Deanna Tyson, the athletic director at Castleton, gives advice to former student athletes who are looking to keep busy.

“Get involved in intramurals, set a schedule for working out in the gym,” Tyson said. “Fortunately, we have things like spin classes and yoga so get involved in something instead of just sitting around not doing anything.”

Costello says she is currently on the women’s club basketball team and is, along with other former players, considering playing indoor soccer.  As for after college, she says coaching is always an option to get her competitive fix that so many athletes have become accustomed to.

Tyson chimed in on how it can be difficult for her to see Spartans’ careers come to an end.

 “I don’t know why but it seems like the fall is the worst. I think it’s because in the spring we’re done and everybody goes on their way but with fall students it’s like they’re finished but they still have the rest of the year.”

“Enjoy every minute of it. I mean enjoy every game and every practice because once you’re done, you’re done and you can’t get that back,” Tyson voiced to seniors who still have time left.

Costello offered similar advice.

“Cherish every moment you have and play like it’s your last game every game because you never know when it is going to be over,” said Costello. “Just have fun and don’t stress too much over the little things. This is the time to enjoy playing.”