Quotes for Athletes Who Got Cut | 9INE POINT

Getting cut from a team hurts. It’s more than a missed opportunity—it feels like a hit to your identity. But the truth is, the path to greatness is rarely straight.

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💡 Cut But Not Done: My Story Final Thoughts

These quotes for athletes who got cut are for anyone who’s been told “you’re not good enough” and decided to write a different ending. Rejection is not the final word—it’s fuel for your rise.

“Sometimes rejection is simply redirection.”
“Being cut doesn’t define you—how you respond does.”
“Rejection is an opportunity to come back stronger, smarter, and more prepared.”
“Your worth is not tied to a roster spot.”

🔥 Reflection: You’re not out—you’re just in a different phase of the journey. Keep going.

“Success is not built on success. It’s built on failure, frustration, and sometimes even being cut.”
“What’s meant for you won’t miss you. What misses you wasn’t meant for you.”
“The comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
“Don’t let someone else’s decision define your dream.”

💡 Cut But Not Done: My Story

I tore my ACL playing football during my senior year of high school. It could’ve ended everything. But I still had one goal in mind—to walk on to the University of Oklahoma track and field team.

After months of rehab and training with the team all pre-season, I made it to the first meet. The day before the first indoor meet, I pulled my hamstring at practice. I couldn’t run to secure my spot. The coach cut me.

I was devastated but I wasn’t ready to let go. That Spring I reached out to him and told him I wanted another shot. That summer, I trained like I never had before.

The following year, I made the team.

“I wasn’t willing to give up on my dream of being an Oklahoma Sooner student-athlete.”

Getting cut didn’t stop MJ. It started him.

“Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you’ve ever been to stand up taller than you ever were.” – Unknown
“Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.”
“You didn’t fail. You got feedback. Now get better.”
“Greatness often begins with rejection.”

🔥 Reflection: The hardest no often leads to the most meaningful yes.

“Don’t be bitter. Be better.”
“One coach’s decision does not determine your destiny.”
“You were built for more than one moment.”
“Every setback is a setup for a comeback.”

🔥 Cut and Climbing: The athletes who rise after being cut don’t just succeed—they inspire. Because their path wasn’t handed to them. It was earned.

“When one door closes, build a new one.”
“If you’re not invited to the table, bring your own chair—and your own game.”
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it lit a fire.”
“Cut from the team? Good. That means your breakthrough is personal.”