Passion, dedication, stamina, endurance, commitment are just some of the words that describe what it takes to be a soccer player. Ever since a young age, it was implanted in my head how important it was to fight for my team and play to my full potential. Growing up watching movies like "She’s the Man" and "Bend it like Beckham," and pretending to be the next Mia Hamm, I knew I wanted to play soccer for a long time. While most girls were picking out their favorite pairs of heels, I would be impatiently waiting for my next new pair of cleats. Begging my dad to buy me new Nikes every time I went into Sports Authority, I couldn’t wait until my old cleats were finally unusable. From the shin guards to the multi-colored pre-wrap and new soccer balls, I was the definition of a soccer girl. Instead of going to parties and hanging out with my friends on the weekends, I would be at a soccer tournament playing four games or more a weekend.
Unfortunately, a lot of people didn’t understand the soccer world, which was totally fine, but I’m definitely happy that I was a part of it. Don’t get me wrong, there were days when I wondered why I dedicated so much of my time playing a sport when I could be out doing something else, but it was the moments like winning the State Championship or scoring the game-winning PK that made it all worthwhile. To me, soccer was never just a sport, but a place I could get away from all my stress and worries and be uplifted by my teammates to win a game. Losing together and winning together, my team was always on my side to back me up, and I have made some life-long friends through this amazing sport. It has taught me so many lessons, from self-control to how to work as a team, not only to better myself but my team as a whole. To me, there was never a better feeling than stepping up to the line on the field to sing the National Anthem and seeing how many people could be brought together by one sport. My whole family would come and watch my games, constantly yelling from the bleachers, and my dad would video tape almost every game to re-watch for later. You could definitely say I had a dedicated soccer dad.
One thing I find myself regretting is not truly appreciating soccer until it was taken away from me. Not being able to play now due to an injury, it has definitely given me a different outlook on my life and situation. I’m writing this article to remind those who still are able to play to appreciate soccer while they can, whether playing in college, high school, or just for fun. Never forget why you started playing in the first place and remember to always appreciate what you have because it can be gone in an instant. You can’t play soccer forever, so cherish it now. All I have are the videos, trophies, and a state ring to remind me how much I used to love it and still do. I’ve learned so many life lessons while playing soccer and I thank my parents and everyone now more than ever for always encouraging me to play, because, without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Let this serve as a reminder that one day you’ll walk off the field and the lights will go out for good, so live in the moment and keep a ball at your feet.
