Coaches are correct when they say you won’t remember the score of certain games, the statistics, the wins and losses, or the amount of minutes you played. What you will remember are the memories, experiences, and the joy that you experience when you play.
1. Bonding with your teammates.
Our teammates are a huge part of the reason why we still play soccer. Having a friendship with a teammate is very different than a friendship with someone from school or work. You are with these people everyday, and they become your sisters very quickly. You laugh together, you cry together. Nothing beats the bond of a soccer girl and her teammates.
2. Beating rivals.
Yes, I’m talking about you Menomonee Falls and Mankato. Every team has their rival team. Playing against a rival team is a unique type of feeling, yet even more of a rush. You go into the game wanting to play your best and expecting a lot out of your teammates. You may even know some of the girls just from previous matches, and these games can be very messy, intense and physical. Beating rivals means through all the battles, constant efforts and frustration, you came out on top.
3. Playing against teammates.
Playing against high school or club teammates can be quite fun, yet maybe even awkward when you have to mark them. You know their style of play and what sorts of habits they will do throughout the game. The best part about playing against your teammates is giving them a nice (hard) booty slap, fouling them on purpose, and giving them a nice, wet hug after the match.
4. Scoring the "HOW?" goal.
Scoring in any sport is one of the best feelings, yet those goals where you wonder how they even went in are just a little more fun. These shots leave the crowd in awe, and are something players remember for the rest of their life.
5. Getting away with fouls.
Soccer girls love the fact that they can (sometimes) foul the crap out of someone and get away with it. It makes us feel tough and like we are in charge, leaving a lasting impression on our opponent.
6. Celebrations.
Whether you finally won your first U14 league game, State Championship, or NCAA tournament, celebrating with your teammates is the best feeling you experience in soccer. I think part of why its so great is because you’ve been with your teammates and coaches on their worst days and best days. You’ve seen others struggle and know the feeling of being able to do nothing right. Therefore, when you finally get to see your best friends score their first goal of the season, or finally finish the 100th cross into the 18, you achieve greatness. And that greatness, you just never forget it's feeling. Your smile is as wide as the equator, you run to the them, and hug them. That is what soccer is all about sometimes, the celebrations that came with hard work and dedication.
7. You really do believe soccer is the most beautiful game in the world.
For all of these reasons and many more, us soccer players are very proud of our sport and do believe that its is one of the greatest and most beautiful gifts to our life. We are forever thankful for our soccer family (coaches, teammates, family) and truly blessed to be able to have learned so much about ourselves, others, and life from one simple game.
