Finding My Way Back

When I was a rambunctious five-year old, I asked my mom if I could play soccer. She gladly agreed as it would likely be a great way for me to release a serious amount of energy. I played on a youth team with all boys. After that season, I was hooked and I continued to play. As I grew up, competition started to rise and leagues got more serious. I still loved it and wanted to keep playing. Fast forward twelve years, I was a junior in high school. I wrapped up a very successful high school season, yet was dreading going back to playing club. I was falling out of love with the sport. I ended up quitting after that junior year club season with the intention of focusing on my track career senior year, to hopefully continue in college.

I ended up receiving a scholarship to run track at my town's local community college. It turned out, however, to be probably the worst year ever for me. I did not ever truly love track, and I believe that reflected in my performance and attitude that season. I knew I was not going to come back once the academic year was over. I was lost. I quit soccer, now I was quitting track too?

After many long days of thought, I had a crazy idea. What IF I played soccer again? "No way," I said to myself, "you haven't played in two years." The thought lingered in my head, however. I talked to my family about it, and they thought I was semi-crazy as well, but also encouraged me to reach out to some coaches.

I ended up getting a response back from a community college coach just about an hour and a half away from my hometown in Mesa, Arizona. He offered me a position on the team, and I couldn't believe it. I was getting an opportunity to do what I love again.

The season ended up going even better than I expected. Now, I am so grateful to be here continuing to do what I love. I think it is so important to not limit yourself to those crazy ideas, and not to sell yourself short before you try something. You never know what could happen.