Soccer has always been a part of who I am. I started the sport when I was just three years old, running around with two braids or pig tails, falling all over the place in the dark green uniform that was 3 sizes too large. At the beginning I played for fun. It was a way for me to release some childhood energy, while meeting new friends. I kicked the ball around every Saturday, unknowingly aware that soccer would turn me into the confident leader I am today.

Playing soccer all those years created lifelong bonds with some amazing people. We supported each other on and off the fields, and as it became more serious into our middle school years. We lost some along the way, but came to be stronger and more independent players. We practiced the same drills every day, reinforcing the sense of teamwork and pride you get from winning. Some days we would want it to end, to go back to a time where we didn't have to stay after school to run laps and be yelled at by a coach who knew we had more in us. But, going back would mean that we would never get the satisfaction of finally being able to juggle ten times, or taking that free kick and having it finally end up in the spot we had been aiming at for months. If we had given up when we missed an open net goal it would mean that we would lose the friendships we made and all the times we succeeded.

When high school soccer came along, the competition became harder, and being a leader of my team became even more important. Being a leader of the sport I loved was an honor. All that hard work from the younger years (believe it or not) up until now paid off. Soccer was always a part of me and my life, and has served as a passion and a place of relaxation for years to come. It made me a leader, a hard worker, determined, and most importantly, happy, something I'll always remember.