There have been plenty of times throughout my twenty years of living where my character and faith have been tested. Rather than one trivial moment that made a lasting impact, there was a crucible span of time throughout my late middle school and early high school years where my confidence lied in a constant tug of war battle. The process began when I was cut from my first select soccer team in middle school. I joined another team, only to be cut a little less than a year later. It was always the same reason or explanation for being released from a team. Coaches, teammates and various parents proclaimed I was too small and slow to play at any sort of competitive level. After hearing it enough times, I started believing it myself. With my confidence shattered, I joined a team of much lower caliber. Although my confidence slowly increased, I knew deep down that the pace and lack of competitive nature of the game was holding me back from reaching my fullest potential. After some soul searching, I made the decision to try out for another upper level division team. I did in fact make it, but received minimal to no minutes. It was at this point where I accepted my role, and essentially, did everything in my power to make an impact and difference for my team. I still hoped to reach the collegiate level, so I spent most of my free time attending multiple fitness, skill and conditioning sessions. I did not do this to prove everyone else wrong, but rather to prove to myself that I was capable of anything I set my mind to. It was during this time that I was recruited by Brian Pensky, the head soccer coach at the University of Tennessee. He mentioned that he was not recruiting me for the player that I currently was, but for the player that I was going to be. His confidence instilled in me an even deeper drive and motivation to be great. Looking back, this crucible experience taught me how to accept my role, overcome adversity and to never give up. In turn, I believe it brought out underlying leadership skills that are unintentionally now shining through on and off the soccer field. Due to my past experiences, I feel as though I am capable of helping and guiding incoming athletes, and freshmen, that may also struggle with a confidence battle. I hope to lead by example and use my crucible moment to change the lives of my teammates in a positive way. And as I always remind myself, a lot of hard work mixed with a little faith, really can make all the difference.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere have been plenty of times throughout my twenty years of living where my character and faith have been tested. Rather than one trivial moment that made a lasting impact, there was a crucible span of time throughout my late middle school and early high school years where my confidence lied in a constant tug of war battle. The process began when I was cut from my first select soccer team in middle school. I joined another team, only to be cut a little less than a year later. It was always the same reason or explanation for being released from a team. Coaches, teammates and various parents proclaimed I was too small and slow to play at any sort of competitive level. After hearing it enough times, I started believing it myself. With my confidence shattered, I joined a team of much lower caliber. Although my confidence slowly increased, I knew deep down that the pace and lack of competitive nature of the game was holding me back from reaching my fullest potential. After some soul searching, I made the decision to try out for another upper level division team. I did in fact make it, but received minimal to no minutes. It was at this point where I accepted my role, and essentially, did everything in my power to make an impact and difference for my team. I still hoped to reach the collegiate level, so I spent most of my free time attending multiple fitness, skill and conditioning sessions. I did not do this to prove everyone else wrong, but rather to prove to myself that I was capable of anything I set my mind to. It was during this time that I was recruited by Brian Pensky, the head soccer coach at the University of Tennessee. He mentioned that he was not recruiting me for the player that I currently was, but for the player that I was going to be. His confidence instilled in me an even deeper drive and motivation to be great. Looking back, this crucible experience taught me how to accept my role, overcome adversity and to never give up. In turn, I believe it brought out underlying leadership skills that are unintentionally now shining through on and off the soccer field. Due to my past experiences, I feel as though I am capable of helping and guiding incoming athletes, and freshmen, that may also struggle with a confidence battle. I hope to lead by example and use my crucible moment to change the lives of my teammates in a positive way. And as I always remind myself, a lot of hard work mixed with a little faith, really can make all the difference.
ReplyDelete