I faked left, dribbled right, then headed to the net for a goal. There were no spectators cheering loudly in the bleachers and the only remnants of people was their trash blowing across an empty field. I can vaguely remember when the ball seemed lighter; when there weren't so many expectations. But, that was back when I wore a turtle neck under my jersey and pig tails in my hair. Those days are long gone.
I spent a good portion of my childhood playing soccer. I ate, slept & dreamt it. I was always told I had so many gifts but this one seemed to really take off. I wasn't the one who always got the straight A's in school, but when I stepped onto the field and played the game others took notice. That's what mattered most to me. I guess if I am being honest, growing up I felt my worth was in that game.
I had a special friend in school who seemed to always be on my team. The two of us made a perfect pair. She was phenomenal, really. I learned so much from her. Our freshman year of high school we had this crazy idea to try out for the boys team because our school didn't have a girls program...yet. It wasn't easy. Our coach didn't praise us very much and gave us the feeling we really weren't welcome. We didn't get much playing time but we did learn something...it wasn't a hit with some of our peers either. Long story short the season ended and so did the semester. She moved across the country and I had the unique opportunity to transfer schools.
Transferring in the middle of year wasn't easy. I moved from a school with roughly 425 students with one hallway to one that had over 1800 and 3 stories. I was lost. I did quickly make a few friends and couldn't wait until soccer season.
Well, it came. There was a definite division between players, new and old. It was a really strange dynamic but I soon found my place. I met an amazing group of girls through my experience. Recently I've even had the pleasure of reconnecting with many of them. It's fun to see where we all are today.
Today? I'm a soccer mom. I remember when Brett was old enough to play. I couldn't wait to get him on a team! He loved the game so much. His very first game he scored a goal. I was one proud Mama. Well, 7 years later and he's turned into quite the player. His new favorite position is goalie and he's really been doing a fantastic job. Brett's got a great kick. He also loves forward. He quick when he wants to be and I think he's scored at least one goal per game this season. This year he's on a co-ed team. I have to say, I love it! The boys at this age don't communicate very well. The girls on the other hand...do! They can often be heard encouraging each other and the boys. I've never heard a little boy do that. Must be something in their make-up.
The other day I remembered something. Back when Brett was almost one his grandpa took him Christmas shopping. What did I get? Oh, a bright, fluorescent pink baseball cap. In black block letters it read "Brett's Mom." I am going to go search for it in a couple minutes. Be on the look out for pictures;)
Madison & Noah have also been enjoying their first year of soccer. I have to admit, the first week I almost peed in my pants from laughing so hard at Madison. As aggressive and physical as she is with her brothers when it comes to playing with other kids she takes a bit of a back seat. Every time the ball came close to her she would actually run around it and let someone else get it and at one point she was actually running in place so she wouldn't be the first one to the ball. Each week she's getting better and better.
Noah was a bit aggressive from day one. He has to be reminded about pushing. He's not trying to hurt any of the other kids but MAN this child is focused on the goal! He's had a few goals this season so far too. Our Saturday mornings sure are busy but SO fun. I just love watching them have a blast! The kids love their big audience. Grandma & Papa, Grandma & Grandpa L. and Auntie Lisa are usually cheering them on too. What a fun fall we've had so far.
