Personal Statement
Over the last several years, I’ve been blessed to experience things that most won’t in a lifetime. I traveled the globe, learned new cultures, and overcame personal fears. I saw how people lived their lives in different regions of the world and it inspired me. Soccer wasn’t just a passion in places like Costa Rica and Italy; it was part of their identity as a community. Having the opportunity to play and experience soccer and witness people’s perspective on life from a different vantage point has greatly influenced my efforts to become a better person.
During my sophomore year; prior to being called up to varsity, I spent much of the season as the starting goalkeeper and captain of my junior varsity team. Because of my experiences abroad, watching how the older soccer players were eager to help the younger, I developed a mentality that remains with me. Over the course of the season I began to take on more of a leadership role, holding numerous captains’ practices for the younger players who were anxious to improve their skills. The team was not the best, but we developed into a family. After an extremely active and record setting season in goal, my highlight came when we finally progressed enough to see our first goal as a team.
My commitment and leadership, along with work ethic, knowledge and skill was spotted by the head coach of the varsity team and as a result I was able to earn the starting position over the two year starter from the same graduating class. My first year as starting varsity keeper we finished the season as a finalist in the Maryland State division 1A Soccer Championship.
Each year I still look back on my experiences and seek to learn from the mistakes as well as celebrate the successes. Now, I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life with my passion for soccer as a foundation and looking to continue to develop the leadership skills that will serve me throughout, and conquer what may prevent me from reaching my goals in life.