High school sports are one of the most memorable parts of one’s high school experience. For some, a high school sport has more of an impact on one than it does on others. Whether it was about the friendships formed through the sport, the vision of making it all the way to the state championship or simply just the experience of being on a team and playing the sport you love.

For me, I played soccer all four years of high school. It was one of the best experiences of my life to say the least. The life long friendships I formed throughout those years, the knowledge I have gained through playing the game of soccer and the people I have gotten to meet and have gotten to know will be something that I will value forever. 

“Surround yourself with good people, surround yourself with positivity and people who are going to challenge you and make you better,” said professional soccer player Ali Krieger. 

This year, the girls’ soccer team made it all the way to the semifinals. In all four of my years of playing soccer for LHS, the team has never made it that far in the playoffs until this year. For me, and the seven other seniors, that was huge. The connections and relationships us girls formed throughout the summer made it all worth fighting for as the season came to an end. 

During the season, every one of us girls played for each other. We counted on one another to give it their all during every game and we depended on each other when it came down to those last final minutes in a game. We went through everything together this year, from being down at half, coming back in the last few seconds, losing unfortunate games and winning big ones too. 

Losing is one of the hardest things in life, especially when it is one of your lasts. When that final second ran out on the clock, it took every muscle in my body to control the tears from spilling out. I was so set on making it to the finals and doing something that has not been done in years that it finally hit me as that last second clicked, that the season was actually over. I was done playing soccer for my high school team and I would never set foot on that field again. 

“I just hate losing and that gives you and extra determination to work harder,” said former professional soccer player Wayne Rooney. 

Although we did not make it to that final championship game, I could not be any happier with this team than I am right now. I would not be the person I am today if it was not for the people I have met through the past four years, the coaches who have mentored me through this experience and the chance I got at playing the sport I love.