My name is Vivian Tuttle, and throughout my entire life soccer has been there.
I grew up with a ball at my feet; through every state, every country, and every obstacle, soccer was there. It’s been an escape from anything and everything that clouded my mind. Soccer allowed me a newfound confidence, both on and off the field. It has taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s okay to mess up; in fact, it’s beneficial for your own development.
As the daughter of two parents who served in the military, moving around was my norm throughout my childhood. Soccer followed me everywhere, from my academy roots in Guam, to my recent international experiences in San Marino, Italy, the Gothia Cup in Sweden, and the Helsinki Cup in Finland. These experiences have allowed me a view into diverse communities and versions of play, as well as challenged me to adapt to different cultures.
In my position as a goalkeeper comes a lot of pressure and responsibility. Learning to manage these emotions and duties gave me the insight and ability to thrive, both on and off the field.
In previous years, I’ve struggled with life balance; putting off priories for insignificant things. Recently, I’ve learned to sort out my priorities, putting my future and career above most.
Mental toughness and awareness are a big part of the game. I find that I excel in those areas, seeing the field in many different ways, sorting out my next move ahead of time, and generating a back-up plan. This helps me in life as well, planning ahead of time to avoid stress and not relying or depending on solely one possible outcome.
Communication and self-advocacy have been key for my successes. Being very articulate allows me to find a deeper understanding for the game, and assists me with directing my teammates on the field. Playing goal requires you to be very vocal; giving instruction the entire 90 minutes. Additionally, leadership plays a big role in the position. From a young age, I’ve naturally taken on that leadership role, whether that be in school or random pop-up soccer teams, I’ve provided motivation and guidance to my peers.
I’m looking for a competitive program, valuing development and discipline. I’d like to pursue both my academic and athletic career, with the overarching goal of growing exponentially in both areas.