- 2020 Highlights
Personal Statement
I’m not exactly sure what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I know for certain that soccer will be part of it. I’ve played since the age of four, when I admittedly was more interested in the oranges at half time than I was in the game. I was a multi-sport athlete through 6th grade but decided to make soccer my primary sport once I made the 7th grade team in Junior High. I struggled a bit in 7th grade because the coach did not give me much playing time. He preferred the taller kids to be on the field even if they were less skilled. This started to affect my confidence on the field for both the 7th grade team and my club team.
At the beginning of the 8th grade season, I found out I had a stress fracture in my L5 and was restricted from all physical activity for over 6 months. Although torture at the time, in hindsight it was a really good thing. That forced time off helped me find my passion for soccer again. I was cleared in the spring to play tennis and club soccer. After a few months, I built my strength back up. I worked hard over the summer doing core and speed training so I would be ready for soccer in the fall. It paid off. I made the JV team as a 9th grader which is very difficult to do at my high school, especially without the opportunity to have proven myself on the field for the 7th or 8th grade teams. I was one of 9 to make the team out of about 40 freshman who tried out.
Once I started talking with my parents about college this summer, I realized I really wanted to continue playing competitively after graduating high school. I think what I enjoy the most about soccer is being part of a team and having the responsibility on the field for doing my part to make the team better. I am very competitive and always push myself and my teammates to give it our all on the field. My coaches trust me to lead the team and they value my consistent and intentional play.
