Hello, and welcome to my final story for The Daily Texan! I’ve procrastinated writing this, as we are currently 50 minutes out from the deadline, but I’ve done this because I didn’t really want to write it.
But now here I am, writing it, because I think it’s the right thing to do, and also because I am scared of Meaghan.
These past nine semesters, where I’ve written over 100 articles across five different positions, have been the greatest pleasure of my college career. I’ve covered men’s golf, softball, women’s basketball and football for this silly paper, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. From sitting outside in the cold of March softball games to 16 hours of driving to cover the SEC tournament to flying to Columbus to everything in between. The countless hours in the Basement and all the friendships made along the way, my time in the sports department will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I want to first thank Anna, my women’s basketball beat partner, who made everything easier for me. Anna, your kindness is one of a kind, and I can’t wait to catch up with you as we dive deeper into our careers.
Isa, the one who made the mistake of hiring me! I know you’re killing it in OKC right now, and oh, how I envy you. Thank you for making me laugh all those times in the basement and for trusting me to join the p-staff.
Lauren, thank you for trusting me to cover football, and man, I know you had your moments of doubt. Still, though, the entertainment and joy you have provided me in these past couple years is next to none. And please, don’t become a neuroscientist. Join a much much more stable career like written sports journalism!
Matthew, oh Matthew, Matthew, Matthew. Where do I begin? Thank you for being the truest version of yourself and for always making me laugh and keeping me entertained. I’m really bad at goodbyes, but for you, I know it’s a see-you-later anyway.
Meaghan, I also have no idea where to begin. First of all, you’re welcome for never causing you stress and for always texting you back in quick, timely manners. I know, without me, you never would have been so easygoing this semester, so you are truly welcome!
No, in all seriousness, thank you, Meaghan, for making me laugh, for showing me what it means to work hard, for teaching me how to be a better writer, for keeping me in the loop with the drama and for being my friend. There will never be a better beat group than us.
And to the rest of you I have formed relationships with down in the Basement, thank you for being a boost to my college experience. I’ve enjoyed every second with you guys, and I hope to see you down the path of success in our impending lives.
Now, if I were to leave anybody with a thought, it would be to not take life too seriously. Nothing is ever as serious as you believe it to be in the moment.
I know, I know. You’ve probably heard it before, but I mean it in a specific way.
Life is meant to be a game, so treat it as such. And I don’t mean that in the nihilistic, nothing matters kind of way. I mean it in the way that the best athletes understand.
The ones who play loose, who compete hard, who feel the weight of the moment without being crushed by it, the ones who can laugh in the locker room an hour after a loss because they understand — at least to some level — that the scoreboard resets.
So play hard. Care deeply. Chase whatever it is you’re chasing with everything you have. But hold it a little loosely. Stay in on the game without forgetting that it’s a game.
Besides, if I were taking any of this seriously, I would have started a lot earlier than 50 minutes before the deadline.
The clock’s always ticking, might as well enjoy the game.
Zach Davis
(Senior) Sports Columnist ‘26
Sports Desk Editor ‘25
Senior Sports Reporter ‘24
General Sports Reporter ‘22-23
Meaghan’s advisor ‘26 and on
