I’ve been playing soccer since I was seven years old, and in many ways, it feels like I’ve grown up on the field. From the very beginning, soccer became more than just an after-school activity—it became part of who I am. I’ve always been at the same school, which means every practice, game, and tournament has been tied to the community I love. I’ve built friendships through the sport, celebrated wins, and learned to bounce back from tough losses, all while wearing the same jersey I’ve worn since I was a kid.
As a senior, coming back for this season feels both exciting and bittersweet. I know it’s the last time I’ll get to experience soccer with my best friends, and that makes me appreciate every part of it more. The practices that sometimes feel endless, the bus rides filled with laughter, the team huddles before a big game—these are the moments that stand out just as much as the actual goals and results. They’re the small things that remind me why I’ve loved this sport for so long.
What makes this year even more special is that it will be my last Big 8 and my final SAAC. Both tournaments have been huge highlights every season, but this year is different because SAAC will be hosted at Graded. Having the chance to compete on our home field, with the entire school community behind us, is something I’ve always looked forward to. I can already imagine the atmosphere, with our friends, families, and classmates cheering from the sidelines.
Being a senior also brings a new perspective. When I was younger, I looked up to the older players and admired how they carried themselves on and off the field. Now, I get to be in that position. It’s not just about competing anymore—it’s about setting an example, encouraging my teammates, making sure
everyone feels included and supported, and passing on the traditions that were given to me. I want the younger players to walk away from this season with the same love for the sport that’s kept me playing all these years.
Looking back, I feel grateful that soccer has been such a steady part of my life. It has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience, but it has also given me some of my best memories of school.
This senior season is about more than results on the scoreboard. It’s about closing this chapter of my life with gratitude—for the sport that’s been with me since I was seven, for the teammates who’ve become family, and for the chance to wear my school’s jersey one last time. I know when the final whistle blows, I’ll walk away proud, knowing I left everything on the field and treasured every moment.
