Anthony Leal's farewell message to Indiana will have you wiping away tears

In college sports nowadays, it is seen less and less that an athlete spends their entire career at one school. The transfer portal and NIL, while great in some ways, have made players and athletes lose a sense of loyalty to the school they originally signed with. While many programs benefit from both, they also are hurt by both in many ways.

However, some college athletes stay with the original commitments throughout their entire college career, and the Indiana Hoosiers recognized two seniors this year who did just that: Trey Galloway and Anthony Leal.

This season, Leal became a part of the Hoosier's starting lineup in a way not most guys do. Leal may not have been the most prolific scorer on the team, but they certainly knew how to defend, and it is what kept him on the court. Leal was snubbed from the Big Ten All-Defensive team but was named Honoree for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.

Leal stepped up for the Hoosiers in many ways this season, and he did so for the five seasons he spent with Indiana. Growing up in Bloomington, Indiana, Leal knew nothing but the Indiana Hoosiers and his dream was to wear the Hoosier's name across his chest one day, and he accomplished just that. As Indiana's season has come to an end after not being selected to play in the NCAA Tournament, Leal wanted to bid one last farewell to the place that gave him so much.

Leal cited his love for Indiana ever since he was a kid and the pride he had for representing the university. He is gracious for the opportunity to represent such a historic program, adn the love and compassion from the fans kept him going every single day. Leal even said his younger self would be so proud of who he has become and it all thanks to Indiana.

Leal's message will probably leave all of the Hoosier Nation tearing up a bit. After five seasons with one program, Leal will now step into a new phase of life, and all of Indiana is wishing him luck on his next adventure.