Personal Statement
I started competing at the national level in tumbling when I was only 3 and learned that I truly love to compete. I continued to tumble for many years but also started playing soccer at age 6 and found that I enjoyed playing on a team more than competing individually. I have played many sports over the years and found that soccer and basketball were the ones I enjoyed the most. Although I am excited to focus on soccer in college I also really love playing basketball and hope to continue playing throughout high school.
When I was on my first competitive soccer team my coach asked me to fill one of the defending positions. At first, I was disappointed because I no longer had as many opportunities to score but I quickly found out that soccer is so much more than that. I realized that it takes an entire team to win the game and learned that I could become a bigger asset to the team by defending our goal and setting up my teammates with accurate passes. My natural strength and agility has allowed me to do well in this role and now I am proud to say I am a defender. I enjoy being on the right side as I am predominantly right footed. This allows me to accurately pass along the sideline. I am left handed though and often find it easier than most to use both hands and feet in sports so I am comfortable on either side. One of the skills I am known for the most are my throw ins. Playing in the outside position I use this skill often. My teams have found the ability to use my throw ins to score many times as I am able to throw much farther than most. This year my teams have needed me to play in the center back position and I have enjoyed developing the skills needed for this role also.
I have always been able to maintain my grades even though I have played multiple sports each year. I have often found myself running from one practice or activity to the next and have been able to prioritize what is needed the most. I know playing soccer in college will require hard work and dedication but I am ready to take on that challenge. I know the rewards of being on a team and there is nothing that can replace that. I am looking for a school where I can continue to grow under experienced coaches while playing at a high level of competitive soccer. I am naturally leaning towards staying within a few hours of my hometown if possible. I know the requirements to play at a higher level and understand that my free time will be limited so I would like to be able to drive home and back quickly. But if the right opportunity presented itself, I would chose the path that provided the best coaches and most competitive soccer, regardless of the location.
If you want to check out information and footage from our team you can review it here.
https://sites.google.com/view/iowarushcollegeportal/home/2005-girls
