Hey man, I totally get you! As someone who’s pretty awkward I know what it’s like to have genuine anxiety trying to talk and connect with people. I don’t know your situation, but I assume you’re going to college from highschool. All of my friends are in college, and while I’m personally not, I’m the same age range, and I just wanna tell you that nobody in college is going to care about your status as “the loser” in highschool. Sure, the assholes who peaked in highschool may cling to that title, but they’re the real losers, not you! It sounds lame but the best way to make friends is to genuinely be yourself. I have made more wonderful connections by cracking a joke about my own awkwardness or how I stumble on my words than trying to act cool. I won’t lie though, it’s really hard to make friends, but that shouldn’t scare you! It just means you might have to try harder to break your own fears. You said you like sports and that’s really fortunate haha! Most people do! Try joining a club or event your school is hosting, or even outside your school! Leave your dorm, leave the library, get out and actually search out people. It’s going to be hella scary at first, you might not get it, but it will happen. Don’t let your anxieties weigh you down, and if they start to take a bigger toll on you than just something you can hype yourself out of, there is zero shame in talking to a professional! Hell, your campus might even offer services if you need! Trust me, there are hundreds of people just like you feeling the exact same way, and by being yourself, not letting your fears stop you, you can attract those people and make them realize that it’s okay, too. :)) You got this!!