One of the most beautiful games on this Earth. The grass field, the white chalky lines, the cold metal goal posts, and one of the best teams anyone could ask for. I wasn't always drawn to the sport. When I was younger I watched my oldest sister play and then my twin got into it. Finally, I convinced myself to go from gymnastics to soccer. I tried a summer soccer camp and found I really had a flare and passion for it.

When the summer camp got over, my mom asked me: "So, do you want to stick with gymnastics or play soccer?"

With a huge grin on my face I said, "SOCCER!"

And that was the beginning of it all. Soccer not only got me active it helped me bond with people and become more confident. As I became more familiar with the sport and better at it, I began to change as a person and each soccer practice, each game, was worth it all. No matter if my legs hurt or I had cramps, my love for the sport was so strong I would never want to give up.

Each coach I had through out the years taught me so much, not just about the sport, but about life too. All my coaches were there for me know matter what and if I'd fall down or get injured, they were there to help me back on my feet and keep me motivated to do what I do best. My most memorable coaches were my dad (there may be some bias there) and my high school coach, Joe. My dad had been watching my sisters and I play soccer for years so, he knew our strengths and weaknesses and really knew the game. He helped not only me and my sister improve, but everyone else on our team. He'd work us hard but, reward us with fun drills or games to play and I thank him for that.

Coach Joe was by far one of the best coaches I've had. He wouldn't get mad and was usually calm and collected during the games despite weather we were winning or losing. If we had a really good soccer game or week of soccer games, he'd take us to Culver's for custard. He genuinely cared about how we were doing. If one us got injured, he would check in with us to see how we are doing so we can be healthy enough to play. Every player is vital to the team no matter what. He helped the team bond more which, helped us become better players and better people. He also gave the best life advise. On our last game of every season he'd give a big speech and most of us would cry.

High school soccer tryouts were gruelling. Everyday would make my legs hurt more and more and it was well worth it. I got some nice leg muscles out of it! The worst was the Fifteen Minute "Fun Runs" . Fifteen minutes of straight running on rough terrain was not the best for anyone with weak ankles. Each team ab work out and knee injury prevention drill became easier over the years as my body got use to them.

During my high school years, when there was snow on the ground, I'd play indoor soccer with some of the best people. One of my best friends, Natalie was our keeper for some time until she graduated. I was a defender and my sister was a forward. Indoor soccer was a little different; different turf, slightly different rules, smaller pitch, and smaller goals. It was interesting to play on something different because your body would have to adjust to different conditions.

The perks of soccer besides getting some solid muscles where the sick tans we got. Soccer tan and farmers tan galore! If you don't know what a soccer tan is, it is when your knees and part of your thighs get tan but nothing else. It's a great way to start off your summer tan. We also got to pick out the best cleats to wear for the next year or so until they fall apart or your feet grew. Soccer cleat shopping was always my favorite.

Looking back at all the goals, all games, and all the memories from all my years of soccer, I can honestly say, hanging up the cleats was the hardest thing. I miss the adrenaline rush, the feeling of stepping on the pitch before the game, and the pregame nervousness but, most of all, I miss my teammates and coaches.

Soccer isn't just a sport, it's a life. And just like life, you improve, change, and grow as a person. Winning isn't everything but, the memories made means the world. Thank you to everyone who has influenced me through out my years of soccer, thank you to all my coaches, and thank you to my parents for supporting me through it all. Here is to the soccer years, Cheers!