Imagine, it’s your senior year in high school, you are one of the captains and starting players for your varsity soccer team. You have played with the same teammates on your club team since 3rd grade.
Last year, your team made one game away from going to state finals. Feel the excitement that causes goosebumps as you dream about going down state this year. Senior night arrives and it’s your last regular season game in front of your parents, friends, and your town. Your team is dominating your opponent and you are playing one of your best games.
Until, all of a sudden, your opponent takes you down as you were taking the ball away from them, and you roll your right ankle. Tears roll down your face as the pain and disappointment sets in. The trainers have to come onto the field and carry you off. They examine your ankle and determine a 2nd degree sprain. You will be out for the remainder of your senior year! How do you feel now?
This was my exact reality in the spring of 1998 at Glenbrook South High School. I was completely devastated! My dream of playing and helping my team go down state was ripped away in one single play. I could have easily wallowed in pity, but that was not how I was raised. My parents taught me that there will be obstacles and challenges in life. It’s how you face them that truly count and reflect your character. I was determined to work hard in the athletic training room doing my rehab and to be there for my teammates from the sideline.
It was not an easy road…However, it gave me an opportunity to act as a coach for the first time, rather than a player from the sideline. I knew I had to inspire my teammates and give them positive feedback. Even though I couldn’t physically contribute on the field, I made sure to contribute mentally and emotionally in positive ways. My diving coach taught me the true meaning of PMA: Positive Mental Attitude and this was my chance to share that wisdom with my teammates.
Unfortunately, our team did not get past regionals that year, however that injury inspired me to continue playing in college. I worked by butt off that summer before my freshman year at Penn State coming off of my rehab program. It was the first time I followed a strength training program along with developing my soccer foot skills. I also made sure to work on my flexibility with stretches I had learned during my diving and gymnastics seasons at GBS. Later on in life, I learned that many of these stretches are found in yoga.
That fall, I started for the Penn State Women’s Club Team! We had an incredible season that culminated with winning 5 games in 3 days to become National Club Finalists. We lost to Colorado State University in the final game in penalty kicks.
The worst way to lose a soccer match was a great way to learn the lesson. Hard work, determination, teamwork, and positive mindset truly pays off!
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