I definetly feel that my son's first real love had an impact (negative) on his attitude this year. Not to blame her, but the focus was on the next time they would see each other, not the next time at a game, practice.
Her first priority is to work, college second. They had different life goals, it was obvious that it wouldn't work out. I think he was trying to enjoy whatever summer they had together, and ride into the sunset in august to school. She was not going to have that and she broke it off. Kid was devastated, still is, but everyone agrees it was for the best. Try to convince an 18 year old of that, it doesn't work. I see a different attitude since they have parted.
However, being the handsome guy he is, wait until his frist day on campus!!!!! He has no idea the hard work ahead of him, I am hoping the serious girlfriend thing will pass until after he reaches his career goal. I am leaving that to the coaches!