Soccer

Soccer has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. I started playing soccer when I was around 5 years old. After playing park and recreation I then began to play on a travel team. I have played with the same team these past nine years. My journey as a soccer player has grown and changed completely. I always knew I had a love for soccer but I never knew where it would take me. I built relationships with about 15 other girls and we all have a strong bond and connection with each other. There is nothing like being on a team that you can call your family. I have been blessed to be able to have some of the best coaches out there. When I was younger we had the previous App State Women's Soccer coach as our travel coach. He led us into a path of correct and good technique and showed us how soccer should be played. He made us better, even as little kids. If we did anything wrong such a kick a ball with our toe, did not show for a ball properly or not use our space given, he would make sure knew and we would have to fix that. He wanted us to use the talent we had in the correct way and only increase our skill. Around our 3rd year in travel soccer, the coach moved and we were all devastated... thinking we could never have another coach like that one. The director of High Country Soccer Association, Kiki Wallace, stepped in and filled that spot. None of the players really knew Kiki to begin with. It was so different being with another coach. We were not sure what to expect. Kiki has stuck with us till the very end. Our last season just ended this past fall. Our team made to the final four these past 2 years. We ended up not winning state champions but we were very close. Through these past nine years, our team has grown as soccer players and individuals. Kiki put everything he had into our team and I could not be more thankful for him as my coach and for the role model he is to me. He has impacted me and has only pushed my to be a better player and person.

High School soccer is also a huge factor that plays into my soccer career. I have played on the women's High School varsity soccer team for four years. A lot of the same girls on my travel team play for the High School team as well. We tend to click and connect as team when it comes to High School soccer I think because of the fact we have played together for so long on the travel team. I have the absolute best teammates anyone could ask for. I love High School soccer. There is nothing like it. Now that it is my senior year, it has hit me that I will not have the opportunity anymore to play travel soccer and High School soccer. I have made some of the best memories on those two teams. I will always hold such memorable moments close to my heart and will never forget them.

Next year I am planning on attending App State University to continue my soccer career. I am so excited for this opportunity. I am excited yet nervous to be on a team with new players and in a different collegiate environment. I know the coaches at App are awesome people and I can not wait to surround myself with them. I am very thankful that soccer is not out of my life and that this sport is something I can keep up with. I can not wait to be up at App and I am very happy I am staying close to home. I love Boone and this is home for me. Soccer is more than a sport to me. It is something I love and I am so thankful I get to keep on with my soccer journey.