Personal Statement
I began playing soccer in diapers when I was 18 months old, and after watching the 2009 World Cup at age 4, I instantly fell in love and knew that I wanted to play on this same stage. Throughout my athletic development, I have won countless games, won multiple tournaments, and played at the highest level for my age in the country, but nothing has shaped me the way this past year has. While playing soccer, I fractured my tibia in 2018, and the first day out of my ankle brace I was diagnosed with a large pelvic tumor that was eventually found to be benign but had to be surgically removed. Collectively, these health issues made me unable to train for more than 6 months. I was devastated, but determined. Determined to get back on the field as soon as I could, and within several days, I was back in the gym starting from the beginning once again. I had to train to walk, than to jog, than to run, let alone play. In the gym I pushed myself physically, mentally, and emotionally even stronger than before. I always wanted to be my best and push myself, but since the injury and the surgery I have also realized how grateful I am for my life, my health, and the ability to play the sport I love. Though I didn’t seek the above challenges, I am grateful and stronger for them. Now when I play, little can phase me because of what I have gone through.
My work-ethic and drive for success sets me apart both athletically and academically. In addition, on the pitch my technical ability, vision of the field, and ability to break lines as a midfielder and quickly transition to the attack make me a unique player and most importantly, make everyone around me better. I strive to learn, to apply, and to contribute in every way possible, making myself and my teammates reach levels beyond what we thought were capable. Athletically, I am self-driven every day to reach my ultimate goal of changing the women’s game by proving on the collegiate and the international stage that women can have the same speed of play and be just as technical as men. I approach my academics similarly with the long-term goal of making my mark in a field with few women, by becoming a cardio-vascular surgeon. I can have it all; but maybe not all at the same time, but all at the right time. I know that with my character traits, my experiences from this past year, all of the lessons I learned along the way, and my strong family support combined with a great collegiate program, I can reach both of my ultimate goals.