- 2017 Highlights
Personal Statement
My love of soccer started slowly. It was somewhat like an arranged marriage. I was four and my foster parents (who will later become just my parents) were looking for any and all activities to keep me busy and tired! Being a foster child came with a free YMCA membership and my parents took full advantage of it. They signed me up for any and all activities including soccer. My mom still tells me ( Usually after a tough game) that “ a good game used to be one that you didn’t sit down and cry on the field. Look how far you have come!”
Around third grade soccer became my favorite activity. My parents realized if I was going to be serious about soccer that I needed to get sound fundamentals so I started with my first soccer club, Heartland Soccer. They went bankrupt 6 months later. I was devastated and didn't want to quit. I was learning so much! I really liked my coaches and teammates. I moved to the “other” club within the town; however it was different. Because the clubs had been rivals in the past there was a lot of “them” vs. “us” mentality. The coaches didn’t rein it in very well. In fact, at times they would encourage it as they thought it would make us work harder. I found myself not looking forward to practices. I found I was more worried about making mistakes than being creative and trying new things. It just wasn’t fun anymore! The only time I have ever thought about quitting soccer was the half of a season I spent at this club. Luckily, my parents noticed how I wasn’t enjoying it anymore and pulled me from this club. The only other option was more expensive and further away; but I was very happy my parents had the ability to make that move. Cedar River Soccer Association (CRSA) became home and I have never looked back since!
I am not sure why I love the game so much. It may be because I feel super focused when I play, It almost feels like time is in slow motion or stops. Maybe it is because soccer has also always been there for me. When I was in 6th grade I changed schools. It was pretty hard going from being the kid that always had lots of friends to being the new kid at a catholic school! ( All my new classmates seemed to know each other from birth!) Luckily, I had my club soccer friends. Some of those guys have become my best friends. I won’t lie, there were a few soccer guys that were difficult to get along with; but they provided the opportunity to learn how to work together with people you may not like and still be successful.
This last club season has been the most challenging yet; but also the most rewarding at the same time. We lost our goalkeeper to ODP. I was the only other team member with any goalie experience. (If you count one winter breakout clinic and a few practices as experience.) Either way the job was mine. I was a bit disappointed that I was missing time and experience at midfield and forward. I knew that due to my size, I was probably not going to be a goalie as I got older. However; something interesting happened spending all that time in the goal box. I was able to study how the defense and the offense works together when pushing up and pulling back. It actually helped me at forward because I learned to anticipate how the defense was going to move! I was also still able to be my team's top scorer even while only playing forward for a fourth of the game! I know that helped my confidence.
Freshman year has been a bit of an adjustment. I am a multi-sport athlete. I was the kicker for our freshman / Sophomore football team. We had an undefeated season and I made a lot of friends with guys that would ultimately be on the school’s soccer team. I also enjoy wrestling and it keeps me in shape during the winter. I am also a member of the Leo’s club. ( Local Lion’s club for kids) We run concession stands and other fundraisers to earn money for guide dogs for the blind and companion dogs for soldiers with PTSD.
With all of my activities, learning how to manage my time and make sure that my homework doesn’t get neglected has been a bit of a challenge. I have made good progress and intend to continue making progress in this area.
In the past months, I obtained my referee’s license, and enjoy watching kids learn the game. I also am now a certified lifeguard and have been hired by the local pool for the summer. I hope to set aside some money for school and maybe start the steps of getting my pilot's license.
The ideal college for me, is one that will allow me the opportunity to keep playing soccer. I am not sure what my field of study will be yet. I am an avid fan of history, especially military history. A school that has an ROTC program would be a plus. I think I may like combat engineering. I also have some interest in athletic training/ chiropractic.
Looking back on it, I am very thankful that my parents arranged that soccer marraige. It has provided me with fun friends and life lessons. I hope to be able to continue all at your school!
